Hunter Dickinson's interest in Kentucky reportedly contingent on Oscar Tshiebwe
Kentucky’s frontcourt situation for next season just got a little more complicated. On this morning’s episode of Kentucky Sports Radio, Matt Jones dropped some scoop about Hunter Dickinson, the Michigan transfer who is considered the top prospect in the transfer portal. A source outside of Kentucky’s program told Matt on Friday that Dickinson, a three-time All-Big Ten performer, would “love” to play at Kentucky but only if Oscar Tshiebwe does not return to Lexington for a final season.
Currently, Oscar is testing the NBA Draft waters. He has until May 31 to decide whether or not to return to school. Per Matt’s source, Dickinson would like to make a decision this week, which puts Kentucky in a bind because Oscar wants to take his time with the NBA Draft evaluation process.
“[Kentucky] would love to have Oscar back but Oscar is wanting to wait until the end to decide and Hunter wants to make a decision,” Matt said. “So Kentucky is hoping Oscar will make his decision this week so that whatever happens they don’t lose Dickinson in the process.”
Dickinson averaged 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game as a junior in 2022-23, shooting 56% from the field. The 7-foot-1 center recorded 31 double-doubles during his time at Michigan, totaling 1,600+ points and 750+ rebounds in the process. Last season, he played against Oscar in Kentucky’s win over Michigan in London, dropping 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks on 10-22 shooting to Oscar’s 14 points and 13 rebounds. On April 5, Dickinson met with Kentucky’s staff via Zoom. Kansas, Georgetown, and Maryland are reportedly also in the mix.
Currently, Oscar is training for the NBA Draft in North Carolina. Right now, he isn’t listed in any of the major mock drafts but is ranked No. 67 on ESPN’s latest Big Board and No. 55 on Tankathon. He shared these clips and pictures of himself working out at Wrightsville Beach over the weekend.
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Obviously, coming to a decision this week could be difficult for Oscar. Not only is he in the midst of training and receiving feedback from the league, the NBA Draft Combine doesn’t take place until May 14-21. If Oscar is one of the top 60-70 draft prospects invited, it’s a huge opportunity for him to showcase his skills in hopes of playing his way into the draft or earning a two-way contract.
Sources told KSR’s Jack Pilgrim that Oscar’s desire is to go pro if the right opportunity presents itself; however, he hasn’t closed the door on returning to Kentucky, where he reportedly made several million in NIL last season, life-changing money. Those in his camp have also considered other options in the transfer portal, but none would be as lucrative as a final season in Lexington.
Now, with the top transfer available in the portal ready to make a decision, an already complicated situation is even trickier.
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