Oscar Tshiebwe could be challenged by David McCormack on the glass

Kentucky big man Oscar Tshiebwe has been the best player in college basketball. The West Virginia transfer is playing over 30 minutes per game while posting 16.3 points and 15.2 rebounds per night.

The former top-25 recruit has been a monster for John Calipari’s squad.

Tshiebwe leads college basketball in defensive rebound percentage (36.3%) and is No. 2 overall in offensive rebound percentage (20.5%). That production has turned Kentucky into the best rebounding team in college basketball.

In most outings, teams simply do not have the personnel to match up with Kentucky on the glass due to Tshiebwe. In the contest with No. 5 Kansas on Saturday evening, the Jayhawks appear to have a guy that could play Tshiebwe to a push.

David McCormack creates second chance opportunities

David McCormack is a 6-10, 250-pound senior center who entered the 2021-22 season with high expectations. The former top-30 recruit earned Big 12 Most Improved Player honors last season when McCormack finished the year averaging 13.4 points and 6.1 rebounds. The Jayhawks needed a lot out of the big man.

Through 19 games, McCormack’s production has slipped as the veteran is averaging just nine points per game in 19.5 minutes per outing. However, the offensive rebounding has taken a huge leap forward.

McCormack leads the country in offensive rebound percentage (20.8%) and recently pulled down 10 offensive boards in the win over West Virginia. The five-man extends possessions for KU, and that is a big weapon for an offense that is No. 3 in adjusted efficiency and shoots 36.6 percent from three as a team.

KU does a great job of creating second possessions as the Jayhawks rank in the top-15 in offensive rebound percentage. McCormack plays a big role in that. However, Kentucky ranks No. 11 in defensive rebound percentage. That is mostly due to Oscar Tshiebwe.

The battle of bigs on the glass will play a huge role in determining who comes out victorious in the battle of blue bloods on Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse. However, the matchup will be familiar as the two big guys seem ready to lock horns.

“I’ve known Oscar since high school — former teammates,” McCormack told reporters. “He’s a dominant rebounder, he’s strong, he’s physical. We’re just going to have to match that or bring more energy, tenacity to the table.”

“When playing against a bruiser you can be physical and don’t have to worry about small, tic tac fouls. Just know they’re going to play the same way.”

If McCormack can create consistent second possessions and slow down Tshiebwe on the glass, Kentucky might need 85 points to leave the game victorious.

“Saturday is going to be fun,” said McCormack.