Oscar Tshiebwe discusses his early time with the Indiana Pacers, his rebounding skills, and background

In a recent appearance on the Locked On Pacers podcast, Indiana Pacers center Oscar Tshiebwe went in depth on several topics, including his journey to the NBA, his early time with the team, and his rebounding abilities.

Tshiebwe signed a two-way contract with the Pacers in early July, meaning he will split time between the Pacers and their G League affiliate team, the Mad Ants, this coming season. He averaged 16.5 points per game in his final collegiate season.

"NBA life is great. NBA life is good," Tshiebwe said on the podcast. "Different level. I had a good time in Summer League. I'm learning a lot. This level, you've... got to be responsible."

Tshiebwe shared that he is happy to be close to Lexington with the Pacers. It's a short drive between Indianapolis and the Kentucky city where Tshiebwe played in college. He views Lexington as a second home.

Now, he's just three hours away with his new team. That proximity was attractive to Tshiebwe when picking his home after going undrafted, among many reasons.

He liked the Pacers growing up and had an affinity for Paul George, the now-Clippers forward. The wing was a three-time All-Star with Indiana.

Tshiebwe started watching George when he got into basketball in 2015. "Paul George was going crazy in Indiana," he said. Those factors all helped get Tshiebwe to Indiana after the draft, which he watched alongside his family, friends, and agent.

He wasn't confident he was going to be drafted, but he did think he would end up on a team. Fortunately, it was a situation he liked.

"I believed wherever God would send me, I would be happy. I would just show people and work hard and prove people... I gotta show them that I can do it," Tshiebwe said.