Engaging Oscar Tshiebwe thriving on, off the court with Kentucky

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An engaging Oscar Tshiebwe has won over Kentucky basketball fans with his record-breaking play on the court and affable personality off of it.

The 6-foot-9 native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo anchors the No. 7 Wildcats' attack with his tenacity on the court, including rebounding skills not seen at Kentucky in a generation. He feels blessed to be in this position and he never seems to stop smiling.

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"I just spend more time to do better the things that I’m able to do, like the rebounding and running the floor," said Tshiebwe, a junior who transferred last spring after 1½ seasons at West Virginia. "The rest of the things are coming. ... My offense is getting better, my passing ability’s getting better.

"It’s about doing what you do best, (and) keep getting better."

And he is truly enjoying the journey.

Tshiebwe fulfills nearly every autograph and selfie request almost to a fault, which can jeopardize any schedule he tries to keep.

He recently appeared at a Lexington church, where his accommodation of photo-seeking-fans upon arrival delayed the service and his sermon about 30 minutes. A Wildcat teammate once chided him for running late as he signed autographs outside the dormitory as they were boarding the team van bound for Rupp Arena.

FILE - Kentucky's Oscar Tshiebwe (34) shoots between Mount St. Mary's Malik Jefferson (42) and Josh Reaves (23) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Lexington, Ky., Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. Tshiebwe is the unanimous pick as The Associated Press player of the year in the Southeastern Conference, announced Tuesday, March 8, 2022.