Kentucky Basketball: Analyzing NBA Draft decisions of Oscar Tshiebwe and Antonio Reeves

Kentucky Basketball NBA Draft prospect – Oscar Tshiebwe

2022-23 season stats: 16.5 ppg and 13.7 rpg

It’s amazing that a player can have the All-American numbers that Tshiebwe had this past season but the former National Player of the Year has been one of the most dominant stat-stuffs of the past decade. The 6’9 center is a relentless rebounder and has the energy and physicality that can translate to the pros.

The defense and lack of height at the five-spot limits Tshiebwe’s upside. He also doesn’t shoot from the perimeter but during the combine process, has shown the ability to make shots from three-point range. The question is will he be able to get drafted? That remains to be seen but if he’s willing to get at least a two-way deal, that might be enough to keep him out of college.

But there’s a chance that Tshiebwe will make more money via NIL with the Wildcats than with his first pro contract. He’d be on a preseason top-10 team and have one more chance to cement his legacy with Kentucky Basketball if he can make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Technically, the Wildcats can withstand his potential absence easiest, as they have five-star big man commit Aaron Bradshaw, along with Ugonna Onyenso back for another year. But no matter how talented those two may be, you can’t simply replace a guy that averages around 15 and 15 on a nightly basis. His decision truly feels 50/50 and what he does will determine the ceiling for Kentucky in 2024.