Oscar Tshiebwe dedicates 28-rebound game to victims of Western Kentucky tornadoes

While sifting through leftovers from Kentucky’s 95-60 win over Western Kentucky, I stumbled upon another reason to love Oscar Tshiebwe. In his postgame interview with ESPN, Tshiebwe dedicated his 28-rebound performance to the victims of the deadly storms and tornadoes in Western Kentucky.

“I came out today, my first thing today was to rebound for Western Kentucky, what happened with the tornado over there. I told them I’m going to fight for them. Those people, they are in our prayers. I pray for them tonight. I came out with 28. That’s what God had for me tonight.”

Tshiebwe’s 28 rebounds broke the Rupp Arena record set by Shaquille O’Neal (21) in 1990. The number is tied for the sixth-most rebounds in Kentucky Basketball history and the most in more than 45 years, when Mike Phillips pulled down 28 boards in an overtime game vs. Tennessee in 1976. Oscar’s 28 boards are the most in Division I college basketball since March 2015 and are tied for the fourth-most since 1996-97. He had more rebounds than all of the Hilltoppers combined.

Tshiebwe said his original plan was to get 20 rebounds for those impacted by the storms, but God gave him eight extra.

“Today, I was coming out for 20 [rebounds]. I told God, I said, ‘Today, I’m gonna go rebound for Western Kentucky, those people who lost their families and everything. I’m going to go fight for them.’ My plan was 20 rebounds. God said, ‘I have eight more for you.'”

We’re saying this more and more, but how can you not love this kid?

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Kentucky United raises over $4.6 million for tornado relief

Oscar’s incredible performance lifted the spirits of fans in the Western part of the state, which is just starting a long rebuilding process. Over the past two weeks, UK Athletics raised over $4.6 million through the Kentucky United Tornado Disaster Relief Fund. The KSR Tornado Relief Fund remains open and is nearing $800,000.

On Sunday, John Calipari, Mitch Barnhart, other members of the UK Athletics family, and representatives from Samaritan’s Feet went to Western Kentucky to deliver shoes to those impacted by the storms. Calipari says he plans to visit the area again to help out in any way he can.

“I will go back to Mayfield, Dawson Springs. I talked to the high school coach. He’s bringing up his team to watch us practice. I mean, if they call me to come down, I will be down first thing I can be there.”

Yesterday, Vince Marrow went to Mayfield alongside Kelly Craft. The two visited area families, even inviting some fans to the Citrus Bowl.

Here in Mayfield and I must say it’s life changing. We must do are part as Kentuckians to help these great people get back on their feet.

— CoachMarrowUK (@vincemarrow) December 23, 2021

Blessed to finally get to Mayfield, Kentucky. So glad I got to see Alayah and her family and invite them to come to Orlando to see us in the Citrus bowl. Thank you @KellyCraftKY for coming as well. Go Big Blue. pic.twitter.com/gwYR9EUQRa

— CoachMarrowUK (@vincemarrow) December 23, 2021

University of Kentucky sports are great, but what the Cats are doing off the court and field is what makes me proud to be a fan.