Oscar Tshiebwe just refuses to stop collecting rebounds — no matter the league, no matter the level.
The former Kentucky Wildcat, who captured the 2022 Naismith Player of the Year award while wearing the blue and white, has now written his name into another record book. Tshiebwe just wrapped up the most prolific rebounding season in G-League history, averaging an eye-popping 17 points and 19 rebounds per game for the Salt Lake City Stars
Yes — 19 rebounds per game. In today’s professional game, that’s nearly unheard of.
A historic G-League season
While many players struggle to adjust to the professional grind after college, Tshiebwe's calling card has always traveled: relentless motor, elite rebounding instincts, and a physical presence that simply wears down opponents. His G-League numbers for 2023-24 jump off the page:
- Points: 17.0 PPG
- Rebounds: 19.0 RPG (G-League single-season record)
The 24-year-old also earned a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz, seeing limited NBA action in 14 games:
- 18.2 minutes per game
- 7.6 points
- 8.7 rebounds
- 60% FG
- 74.2% FT
Even in short NBA stints, Tshiebwe flashed what Kentucky fans have known for years: he has a rare gift for finding the basketball.
Dominance at Kentucky
Of course, Tshiebwe’s pro success is no surprise to anyone who followed his two legendary seasons at Kentucky (2021-2023). After transferring from West Virginia, he immediately rewrote the Kentucky record books:
Career averages at UK:
- 16.9 points
- 14.4 rebounds
- 60.1% FG
2021-22 season highlights:
- Naismith Player of the Year
- Consensus National Player of the Year (first Wildcat since Anthony Davis in 2012)
- SEC Player of the Year
- Averaged 17.4 points and 15.1 rebounds per game
- Broke Kentucky’s single-season rebounding record (515)
Even as a senior, with defenses keyed entirely on stopping him, Tshiebwe still averaged 16.5 points and 13.7 rebounds in 2022-23.
The rebounding machine
Oscar's rebounding numbers are simply generational — both in college and the pros. Whether it was in Rupp Arena, on G-League courts, or during his limited NBA minutes, his ability to control the glass is unmatched. What makes his rebounding ability special isn’t just his strength or size — it’s his combination of:
- Tireless motor
- Elite timing
- Excellent positioning
- Soft hands
- Unrelenting work ethic
Very few players, at any level, have ever dominated the boards the way Tshiebwe has. And he continues to prove his unique skillset has value in the professional game.
What's next?
While Oscar Tshiebwe’s NBA role is still being carved out, his G-League dominance shows that his skillset remains elite against high-level competition. In a league constantly looking for specialists who can change games with one elite skill, Tshiebwe may very well continue to carve out opportunities at the next level.
At every stop in his basketball journey, Oscar has been exactly who he is: a rebounding machine, a relentless worker, and a fan favorite. Don’t be surprised if the next chapter in his story includes more records — and perhaps a larger NBA role down the road.