Kentucky Basketball: Blue-White game leaves us oozing with anticipation

Big O Tschiebwe is a load inside and fan-favorite already

Oscar Tschiebwe has waited 10 months to hit the floor at Rupp having to sit out the spring semester of games after transferring from West Virginia and he promptly made his presence known right off the opening tip.

Tschiebwe got the opening tip, sprinted to the blue basket, and took a quick pass in for a layup less than 10 seconds into the game. Front there for every Wildcat after Wildcat tried to defend him it was a lost cause.

The 6-foot-9, 255-pounder from Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo is as funny full of life as he is a beast on the court.

What has made him much better is the fact he and Ware have banged bodies for the past 10 months. Ware is the same hight but 30 pounds lighter. Still both have made each other’s game much better as Ware mentioned after the game.

"“It’s fantastic. He brings physicality, energy. Oscar and I are some of the happiest guys on the court. Every practice we are ready to go against each other. Some days he might get the best of me, some days I might get the best of him. But we all know there’s a common goal. We are all trying to get each other better. I’m getting him better, he’s getting me better, we are helping the team get better.”"

Ware will likely spill Tschiebwe when he needs a breather and not due to fouls. The way Ware played I think he will be a much more improved player as well.

Big O set the goal of 20 rebounds and said he was so happy to just be playing.

"“Yes. I told the coach I am going for 20 and 20 and it was what I got. As you could see tonight, I was playing basketball, but I was going 100%. I am excited. Tonight was great. I had fun out there. I can’t wait until we start.”"

If he wants to accomplish that goal every night he know what it takes mentally and physically to accomplish that.

When asked about his size and appearing to be a man among boys hauling down all those boards you have to love his response and enthusiasm.

"“Yeah, as you can see, I was snatching the ball from them. Before I even caught the ball and when it was in the air, I would tell them, ‘Get away, get away, that’s my ball. That’s my money.’ That’s how I am making money. So, it was great. I just got to fight because nothing easy is given to you. You have to go get it. Go get the ball, that’s what I did today. I did fight.”"