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Kentucky basketball: Should Oscar Tshiebwe stay or leave?

By Mat Mlodzinski

Feb 22, 2023; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Oscar Tshiebwe (34) looks to shoot before the game against the Florida Gators at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2023; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Oscar Tshiebwe (34) looks to shoot before the game against the Florida Gators at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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On Wednesday, Oscar Tshiebwe will have to decide one way or the other. Will the Kentucky basketball star stay in the NBA Draft, or return to Lexington?

We’re all faced with tough decisions in life. Should I go to the gym today or tomorrow? What brand of cereal should I buy? Can I make it home without filling up on gas?

For Kentucky basketball superstar Oscar Tshiebwe, it’s a much harder decision. He can either pursue his dream of playing in the NBA or come back to college to try and win a championship with the Wildcats. Both options will most likely work out in the end, but they also could have huge impacts on Tshiebwe’s overall career path.

Staying in the NBA Draft will boost Tshiebwe’s pro career

For younger college prospects, an extra year of college basketball usually pays off, especially if they aren’t promised to be drafted. However, for a four-year college hoops veteran like Tshiebwe, an extra year might make it even more challenging to be drafted.

Tshiebwe turns 24 in November, so he’s already on the older side of players looking to be drafted. If he waits another year, 25 years old may be another count against him by NBA teams looking to get younger players with more potential.

If Tshiebwe stays in the NBA Draft, his odds of being drafted, or at least picked up as an undrafted free agent would be higher this year. The Kentucky basketball product has already worked out for a number of teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Sacramento Kings. However, most mock drafts see him as a late second-round pick, or going undrafted.

Despite having so much skill at the college level, Tshiebwe’s NBA outlook is already fairly slim. By waiting another year, he could risk any chance at an NBA career.

Returning to Kentucky basketball could elevate Tshiebwe’s status

Money used to be a hot topic of discussion, but it is no longer. Tshiebwe has an incredible NIL valuation, so whether he embarks on a pro career or stays one more year in college, he will make a lot of money from basketball next season.

The question then becomes, what benefit comes from returning to college?

The answer is easy. Winning a national championship with Kentucky basketball would elevate Tshiebwe’s status to nothing short of a college legend.

The big man has already accomplished almost all there is to do in college basketball. He’s won the Wooden Award, Naismith Award, and AP Player of the Year, and is a 2-time Consensus All-American. He’s regarded as one of the best rebounders in college history and has been one of the most dominant players of the past two seasons.

The only thing missing on Tshiebwe’s resume is a national championship. Tshiebwe would have the chance to play with the number one recruiting class in the country, and UK would easily be on the short list of serious championship contenders.

On May 31, Tshiebwe will have to decide between the NBA Draft and returning to Kentucky basketball. The potential outcomes seem pretty clear. But only he knows what’s best for himself.

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