Oscar Tshiebwe stops by Kentucky practice ahead of Summer League debut

Need further proof that Oscar Tshiebwe is going to be a Kentucky fan for life? How about the big man already returning to Lexington not long before he’s set to begin his professional career?

On Wednesday, Tshiebwe stopped by the Joe Craft Center in Lexington to check in with his former college program and watch the new Kentucky men’s basketball team practice. The 6-foot-9 center was sporting a brightly-colored Indiana Pacers shirt, representing the franchise that signed him to a two-way contract after he went unselected in the 2023 NBA Draft last week.

Tshiebwe addressed the Big Blue Nation with a heartful message and hope that the 2023-24 Wildcats can win the national championship.

“Hey BBN. Oscar Tshiebwe, the Big O,” the two-time All-American said. “I had to stop by, watch the practice before I take off so I wanted to say hello and I appreciate you guys. I watched the practice, lot of good players. I am so happy and I can’t wait. I’m gonna keep motivating my boys until we get this number nine. Let’s go ‘Cats!”

Big O had to stop by practice one more time before taking off for the Summer League.#LaFamilia x @Oscartshiebwe34 pic.twitter.com/g1uaT6J9Et

— Kentucky Men’s Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) June 28, 2023

Tshiebwe is just a week-plus away from beginning his professional basketball career. He’s been named to the Pacers’ Summer League roster and will make his debut with his new team on Saturday, July 8 when Indiana takes on the Washington Wizards in Las Vegas. That game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. EST tipoff on ESPN2. He’ll be joined by another former Wildcat, 6-foot-10 center Isaiah Jackson, who has spent his first two NBA seasons with the Pacers and will participate in his third Summer League.

In total, Tshiebwe and Jackson will play at least four games with the Pacers throughout Summer League. They’ll actually get on the hardwood a week prior to SL for the 2023 Rookie/Free Agent Camp, which runs from July 1-5.

Below is Indiana’s schedule for the Las Vegas Summer League. The semifinals, championship, and consolation rounds are set for July 15-17.

Saturday, July 8 vs. Wizards | 8:00 p.m. EST (ESPN2)
Monday, July 10 vs. Magic | 8:30 p.m. EST (NBA TV)
Wednesday, July 12 vs. Thunder | 7:30 p.m. EST (NBA TV)
Friday, July 14 vs. Mavericks | 6:30 p.m. EST (NBA TV)