Oscar Tshiebwe Reportedly Invited to NBA Draft Combine

Things have been relatively silent from the side of Oscar Tshiebwe ever since the former National Player of the Year entered the NBA draft waters, retaining his college eligibility.

Following the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, all signs pointed to the end of the marriage between the West Virginia transfer and the Wildcats, but as the offseason has lingered on, a third season in Lexington has begun to make more and more sense.

Tshiebwe declared on April 7 and has since had workouts with the likes of the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets, but draft boards still aren't high on the forward. Trying to tough things out in the G League has always been the favored outcome, as it remains unlikely that he'll hear his name called on draft night.

A report from Adam Zagoria on Tuesday could point the finger more in the direction of the professional route, though. Zagoria Tweeted that Tshiebwe has been invited to the NBA Draft Combine next week in Chicago:

Kentucky big man Oscar Tshiebwe has been invited to next week's NBA Draft Combine, per league source https://t.co/PFREhs3k3t
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 9, 2023

Players can submit paperwork to receive evaluations from the NBA and participate – if invited – in the NBA Draft Combine which is slated to take place May 15-21. The deadline to return to school is May 31.

“Oscar fulfilled one dream by being a Kentucky basketball player, but he’s ready to chase this next dream,” UK head coach John Calipari said. “There is no player in that league like Oscar. He’s also an ideal player to have in your locker room because he will truly care about his teammates, the organization and the community. I’m excited for Oscar to go through this process to see if it’s his time to live out his ultimate goal.”

Tshiebwe has averaged 16.9 points and 14.4 rebounds per game in 66 UK appearances. He ranks tied for second in career double-doubles (48), sixth in all-time career rebounds (952) and 48th in scoring (1,117).

The NBA draft is set for June 22.

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Inside Kentucky basketball's somber locker room after NCAA Tourney defeat HERE.

Want the latest on national football and basketball recruiting, including Cats targets? Head over to SI All-American for the latest news, blogs, and updates about the nation's best prospects.

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