Ugonna Onyenso says practicing against Oscar Tshiebwe was the 'best thing to happen to me'

Ugonna Onyenso learned a lot of lessons on the court last season. To be more specific, he learned on the practice court.

As the backup center for Kentucky last season, Onyenso battled against All-American Oscar Tshiebwe daily at UK’s practices. Despite standing at 6-foot-11, Onyenso’s body was no match for Tshiebwe’s. For reference, Tshiebwe is a 6-foot-8 freak athlete made of muscle.

Although facing Tshiebwe day-in and day-out was grueling, Onyenso believes it improved his game.

“It’s really been different, you know? I don’t really have anybody bumping me at practice. I’m the one doing the bumping at practice. Playing against him last year really helped me,” Onyenso told the press on Thursday. “He was the best thing to happen to me last year, playing against someone his size.”

High praise from one Kentucky big man to another. Now, fans can only hope some of Tshiebwe’s talent rubbed off on Onyenso. Last year, Onyenso played in just 16 of Kentucky’s 34 games. In his few minutes, he averaged 2.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and a block per outing.

Despite his subpar statistics, Onyenso repeatedly showed flashes of potential. The lanky rim protector was a game-plan nightmare, racking up seven blocks in his first two contests of the season. After all, if he can block Tshiebwe, he can block anybody.

Tshiebwe was the unanimous National Player of the Year in his junior season. While he couldn’t repeat the feat last season, he still was a unanimous Second-Team All-America selection by the Associated Press, USBWA, NABC and The Sporting News.

With Tshiebwe gone, the fate of Kentucky’s paint play lies in Onyenso’s hands. He’s ready to step up to the challenge.

“I feel as time goes by, [I’m] being more confident and taking the leadership position,” Onyenso said.

Onyenso won’t have to wait long to show off what Tshiebwe taught him. The Wildcats head north next week to compete in exhibition games in Toronto against teams from Canada, Germany and Africa. If Onyenso and his fellow Cats can hold their own, UK will play again in a medal game June 16.

In Kentucky’s few remaining practices before GLOBL JAM, Onyenso will enjoy being the enforcer instead of the ragdoll.

“Oh, it feels good. It feels real good,” the Kentucky sophomore said with a laugh. “I feel the difference now from last year from playing against [Tshiebwe]. [My teammates] be like, ‘Damn’ at practice. And, I’m like, ‘Yeah, I got that from Oscar.'”