Kentucky star Oscar Tshiebwe declared for the NBA draft on Friday, but the 2022 Wooden Award winner also left open the option to return to Lexington for one more season.
The senior big man now has until May 31 to withdraw his name from the draft if he chooses to go back to college. «At this time, I feel as though it is best for me to declare for the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility,» Tshiebwe said. «As I continue down this path, I pray that I can continue to have the amazing love and support of BBN, as you will always be in my heart and prayers.
Only God knows what my future holds, but until then, it's time to get to work.» Tshiebwe, a 6-foot-9 center from Congo, was the consensus National Player of the Year in 2022 after averaging 17.4 points and 15.1 rebounds — leading the country in the latter category.
He didn't repeat as Player of the Year this past season, but still paced the nation in rebounding at 13.7 per game. Tshiebwe also averaged 16.5 points and shot 56% from the field, earning All-American honors in the process.