Fardaws Aimaq cuts Kentucky from list; sign Oscar Tshiebwe will return?

Kentucky was one of many schools to show interest in Utah Valley big man Fardaws Aimaq when he entered the transfer portal last month. Now, the second-best rebounder in college basketball has cut the Cats from his list, which is actually a great thing because it may mean Oscar Tshiebwe, the best rebounder in college basketball, will return to Kentucky for a senior season. Jonathan Givony is reporting Aimaq is now focusing on Washington, Iowa, Gonzaga, Texas Tech, and Texas while continuing to test the NBA Draft waters.

Fardaws Aimaq, the top center available in the NCAA transfer portal, tells ESPN he's narrowed his college options to five:

Washington
Iowa
Gonzaga
Texas Tech
Texas

Testing the NBA draft waters as well. pic.twitter.com/wupG8CtwfU

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 14, 2022

Just a few weeks ago, a report came out that Kentucky was one of the five schools Aimaq was focusing on the most along with Arkansas, Iowa, Texas Tech, and Washington. Now, the Cats are off the list. Why spend a year sharing a frontcourt with the one guy in the sport who does what you do even better, right?

Buzz builds for Oscar’s return

Earlier this week, reports started to circulate that Oscar’s NIL issues with his student visa were being worked out, clearing the path for a senior season in Lexington.

“I feel very, very good he’ll be back,” Matt Jones said on Monday. “I think it got worked out, the situation, but I think even more importantly, a couple — and I can’t say specifics on this — but a couple of major potential deals have been worked out for him that would make it worth his while to stay. He might still do the [NBA Draft evaluation] process. I think if he were guaranteed to be a first-round pick, I think he’d leave. So, let me be clear. If a first-round team were to say, we’re guaranteed to pick you, he’ll go. But I don’t think that’s going to happen so because I don’t think that’s going to happen, I’m now at 95% he plays here next year.”

On Sunday, Oscar said he’s a “week or two” away from announcing his decision.

“God is going to answer me soon,” Tshiebwe told LEX-18. “Because he has great plans for me and everybody’s going to know what is my next move soon.”

Bring on that good news.