Oscar Tshiebwe, the men’s college basketball player of the year, announced Wednesday on SportsCenter that he will opt against declaring for the 2022 NBA draft and return to Kentucky for his senior year.
Tshiebwe was also named a consensus first-team All-American after averaging 17.4 points, 15.2 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 1.6 blocks and 1.1 assists. He became the first major-conference player to average 15 points and 15 rebounds since Bill Walton in the 1972-73 season.
The 6-foot-9 forward led the country in rebounding, offensive rebounds (5.3) and rebounding percentage (34.6). His 515 total rebounds were third-most in program history as he was one of just three players to haul in at least 500. He also set a program record with 28 double-doubles.
Tshiebwe explained that his faith played a large role in coming back after discussing the decision with his family. He came to the conclusion about a week ago and is looking forward to helping the Wildcats advance to the NCAA Tournament once again next season.
He was most commonly projected to be a second-round pick. Tshiebwe wants to use his senior season as one last chance to develop his game and develop into a first-round pick. Behind the tutelage of head coach John Calipari, Tshiebwe believes he can reach that goal.
With Tshiebwe back, the Wildcats figure to be among the favorites to win the SEC next season and make a deep tournament run. They secured the No. 2 seed this year before bowing out in the first round against No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s.
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