Add Kentucky Colonel to Oscar Tshiebwe's list of honors

It’s been a busy week for Oscar Tshiebwe. In addition to meeting with Mitch McConnell to push for new federal legislation for foreign student-athletes and speaking at various churches around the state, the unanimous National Player of the Year was in Frankfort this morning to receive yet another honor. At the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast, Gov. Andy Beshear named Oscar a Kentucky Colonel. The Kentucky Colonel is the highest title of honor bestowed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky and recognizes an individual’s noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to the community, state, and nation.

Kentucky Basketball Director of Player Development (and former KSR editor) TJ Beisner shared this picture of the moment and another shot of Oscar behind the Governor’s desk that would look fantastic on a campaign poster.

*Governor Tshiebwe pic.twitter.com/gHuGvBTK2a

— TJ Beisner (@tjbeisner) April 13, 2022

Oscar: “I love being here and I’m happy”

Prior to receiving the title of Colonel, Oscar spoke for over 20 minutes, recounting his journey to America and the role faith plays in his life. We’ve heard a lot of the comments before, but Oscar describing how much he loves being at Kentucky never gets old, especially as buzz builds for a potential senior season.

“First of all, I love being here and I’m happy. Everything I’m accomplishing is just because I’m happy and people are really supporting me in everything I do. To be a part of Kentucky, it is a dream come true for me.”

Oscar recalled how when he first came to America as a 15-year-old, he got lost in the New York airport and ended up outside the terminal in the freezing cold. He didn’t speak English, but a taxi driver who spoke French found him and helped him, offering to take him to get some food. Where did they end up?

“He took me to Kentucky Fried Chicken,” Oscar said as the crowd laughed. “I’m eating the chicken and I said, ‘Man this is good.'”

Oscar’s love for all things Kentucky spread to basketball when he started watching the Cats on TV at his new school. Even though his journey took a detour to West Virginia, he did not give up on his dream of being a Kentucky Wildcat.

“For me to be here, my dream has come true. When it came to my [high school] senior year, I wanted to come to Kentucky. Came to my senior year but listened to the wrong people and I ended up choosing West Virginia. I went to West Virginia, but I was not really happy. I said, I wish I could play for Kentucky, I wish I could play for Kentucky. God said, Kentucky is still open for you if you want to go. It’s up to you if you’re going to make a choice or not. I say, God, I think I gotta go because this is the place I wanted to be. So I came here and everything worked out for good and God helped me and the people love me. That’s why I’m doing everything right now is for love because this is the place I always wanted to be and people love me.“

Yes, we do. Watch Oscar’s full appearance below and cross your fingers that we’ll get the good news we’re expecting soon.