Oscar Tshiebwe to stay in NBA Draft, will not return to Kentucky

After winning the National Player of the Year award in 2022, Oscar Tshiebwe tested the NBA Draft waters and eventually returned to Kentucky in 2023-24. He took a similar path this year, declaring for the draft while maintaining his college eligibility — and he had until Wednesday night to decide what route he wanted to go.

He has made it official. He’s staying in the draft and will not return to UK next season.

“First, I would like to thank God for the many blessings he has shown me,” Tshiebwe wrote. “I know I wouldn’t be here without him guiding me through this journey of life. Second, I would like to thank my family and closest friends for everything they have sacrificed in getting to this point in my life. I would like to thank Coach Cal and his staff for their support and belief in me during my life at UK. Lastly, I would like to thank BBN for the love, support, and loyalty you have given me and my teammates over the years. I wouldn’t want to play for anyone or anywhere else.

“During this time, I have decided to remain in the 2023 NBA Draft and begin my professional career. I hope as I continue to fight for my dream of playing in the NBA you will continue to support me. Thank you to BBN for everything and I am so lucky to always call Kentucky home.”

Tshiebwe announced his decision Wednesday evening, confirming his time as a Wildcat is over and he’ll be taking his skills to the next level in the NBA.

Tshiebwe has had workouts with the Charlotte Hornets, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings, On3 and KSR’s Zack Geoghegan wrote.

After starting his career at West Virginia, Tshiebwe arrived in Lexington prior to the 2021-22 season and made an immediate impact for Kentucky. He averaged 17.4 points and a nation-leading 15.1 rebounds per game to win National Player of the Year and earning consensus First Team All-American honors.

He tested the draft waters and ultimately returned to Kentucky in 2022-23. Although his numbers dipped a bit, he was still more than productive for the Wildcats, averaging 16.5 points and 13.7 rebounds per contest to help lead them back to the NCAA Tournament.

More on the 2023 NBA Draft

The 2023 NBA Draft is set to take place on Thursday, June 22, 2023, in Brooklyn at Barclays Center. Round 1 of the draft will be announced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, while Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum is expected to handle the second round of picks.

To be eligible for the NBA Draft, players must be at least 19 years in age during the calendar year that the draft is held and at least one NBA season from their high school graduation date, or the date that would have been if they are not graduated. It is not required that player spend that one year playing college basketball, though. Players can play in either college, abroad, or the G League Ignite if they choose so.

While this is a significant change from what the rules once were, players are eligible to enter their names into the NBA Draft pool and explore their options by hiring an agent to go through the process, while still keeping their college eligibility. The deadline to make that move is on April 23 beginning at 11:59 p.m. ET.

The NBA Draft Lottery was held on May 16, which was also the start of the NBA Conference Finals. The San Antonio Spurs won the lottery.