Oscar Tshiebwe signs two-way deal with Utah Jazz

on3.com/oscar-tshiebwe-in-attendance-supporting-kentucky-in-game-1-of-super-regional/ — Jun 2, 2024; Lexington, KY, USA; Fans crowd around former Kentucky Wildcats basketball player Oscar Tshiebwe during the fourth inning between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Indiana State Sycamores at Kentucky Proud Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

As Kentucky takes some coaching talent from Utah, the state is bringing an all-time Wildcat back. Oscar Tshiebwe, formerly of the Indiana Pacers, has officially signed with the Utah Jazz on a two-way contract.

The franchise announced the agreement on Monday after the Pacers reached their allotment of two-way deals late last week. Once it was clear Tshiebwe was available, the Jazz worked quickly to get him signed.

We have signed forward Oscar Tshiebwe to a two-way contract ✍️

𝙳𝙴𝚃𝙰𝙸𝙻𝚂 🔗 https://t.co/SKubmfgVX2 #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/X87Es5GALc
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) August 12, 2024

Tshiebwe is coming off a phenomenal debut season as a pro, named Kia NBA G League Rookie of the Year and All-NBA G League First Team after averaging 16.2 points, 16.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 27.2 minutes per game with the Indiana Mad Ants. He also appeared in eight NBA games with the Pacers where he averaged 3.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in 5.3 minutes per contest.

That comes after a historic career at Kentucky that included unanimous National Player of the Year honors while becoming just the ninth player in program history to earn unanimous All-America accolades in two seasons and the first since Kenny Walker in 1985 and 1986. He would finish his time in Lexington averaging 16.9 points and 14.4 rebounds in 32.7 minutes per game across 64 starts.

The 6-9 forward proved in college there was no better rebounder in the nation, then did the same as a rookie in the G League. Now, Tshiebwe will get his next shot in Utah to prove he can make a name for himself in the NBA.

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What does his two-way contract mean? Players are eligible to be active for up to 50 of their team’s 82 regular season games while earning $578,577 — half of the rookie minimum. Given the right situation, two-way players are able to get their feet wet in live NBA action as needed while also developing at their own pace a step below in the G League.

Tshiebwe joins Justin Edwards (76ers) and TyTy Washington (Suns) as other former Cats on two-way deals in the NBA.

Big O returns to Lexington

Before he takes his talents to Utah, Tshiebwe will be returning to his Old Kentucky Home over the next few weeks. He’ll make two public stops in town, starting with a meet-and-greet on Saturday, August 17 at Paul Miller Ford from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET. From there, he’ll host his second annual youth basketball camp at Sports Center in the Fayette Mall Plaza on Saturday, August 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET.

Admission for camp will cost $99 with boys and girls from grades 1-8 invited to attend. Tshiebwe and other camp coaches will offer tips and insight while teaching the fundamentals of basketball to campers. Any child who participates will receive an autograph from Tshiebwe, a team photo with the former Cat and a t-shirt. Click here to register.