Oscar Tshiebwe signs two-way deal with Indiana Pacers

Former college basketball player of the year and Kentucky Wildcats center Oscar Tshiebwe now knows where he will play his rookie year in the NBA. The former Kentucky superstar is off to the Indiana Pacers and has signed a two-way deal, according to Shams Charania.

Here was his report of the Pacers’ Tshiebwe addition:

“Undrafted Kentucky forward Oscar Tshiebwe has agreed on a two-way NBA contract with the Indiana Pacers, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.”

Tshiebwe, a six-foot-nine center/ forward who hails from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has led the NCAA in rebounds two years in a row while averaging a double-double. Last season Tshiebwe averaged 16.5 points and 13.7 rebounds per game. And in the 2021-2022 season, he would average 17.4 points and 15.1 rebounds on his way to capturing the National Player of the Year award. And in both seasons, Tshiebwe earned All-American honors.

The former NPOY also earned the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award for the nation’s best center. Tshiebwe ended his senior season with unanimous Second-Team All-America honors (Associated Press, USBWA, NABC and The Sporting News) to become just the ninth player in Kentucky history to earn unanimous All-America accolades in two seasons.

What NBA Draft experts are saying about Oscar Tshiebwe

Overall, the draft experts at NBA.com are hopeful about Tshiebwe’s ability to successfully transition to the next level. And given his free throw shooting percentage, they believe he could be a commendable mid-range shooter.

“Tshiebwe was one of the best rebounding bigs in college basketball. He’s best as a weight-heavy bully, but still possesses great footwork and a long wingspan, which allows him to be effective around the basket on both ends of the floor,” RotoWire’s evaluation of the top draft pick said. “He can protect the rim and run screen-and-rolls. It’s possible Tshiebwe turns into a passable mid-range shooter, given his solid free-throw percentage (72.9% in his senior season).”

Given all Tshiebwe has done at the college level, it’s not his skills or heart that could make things difficult for him at the next level. It is his height. Still, he finds himself compared to two of the best rebounders in recent years.

“Tshiebwe’s rebounding dominance in a bulky frame draws natural comparisons to Andre Drummond and Steven Adams, although, he’s about two inches shorter than both NBA players. While the center’s accolades are impressive, Tshiebwe still might have to fight for a roster spot as a rookie. But his skillset could be beneficial for some teams in need of a rebounder off the bench. It might be tough for him to eventually become a starter, but there’s a pathway for Tshiebwe to become a reliable backup big.”