Kentucky All-American Oscar Tshiebwe announced Wednesday on social media that he will remain in the 2023 NBA draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility.
Tshiebwe declared for the draft on April 7 with the option to return to school. He had one year left of eligibility to utilize due to the extra year players received because of the coronavirus pandemic. He was said to be open to playing a fifth year.
The 6-foot-9 forward used the process to gain feedback from teams on his draft stock to form his decision. He has worked out with at least six teams and was among the prospects that competed in the draft combine in Chicago, Illinois.
Tshiebwe will leave college with a decorated resume.
He was the men’s college player of the year in 2022 and a two-time consensus All-American with the Wildcats. He twice led the country in rebounding (2022, 2023) and ranks sixth on the all-time list at Kentucky after only two years (952 rebounds).
Tshiebwe was a consensus second-team All-American last season after averaging 16.5 points, 13.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.6 steals and one block. He ranked second in total rebound percentage (23.6) and 15th in win shares (6.6).
The 23-year-old, who was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, isn’t projected to be drafted, but he will likely be a two-way contract candidate because teams have the option to sign a third player starting next season as part of the new CBA.
He had until 11:59 p.m. EDT to withdraw from the draft.
