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National Player Of The Year Oscar Tshiebwe Teases Return To Kentucky

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  • Oscar Tshiebwe was named National Player of the Year following his junior season
  • He is now deciding between pursuing the NBA or returning to Kentucky
  • Read more COLLEGE BASKETBALL news here

Oscar Tshiebwe of the Kentucky Wildcats was college basketball’s most impactful player last season.

The forward averaged 17 points and 15 boards a night in the SEC, being named the nation’s Player of the Year on Sunday. Tshiebwe also won SEC Player of the Year honors while being picked as both a first-team all-conference performer and an all-defensive team selection.

While he’s picked up a bevy of awards this offseason, there may still be some unfinished business for the big man back in Lexington.

The Wildcats had a great season, finishing third in the Southeastern Conference standings and landing a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. However, they were quickly ousted in the opening round by 15th-seeded Saint Peter’s. It was the upset March Madness, sparking an Elite Eight run for the Peacocks.

Tshiebwe has yet to make a decision on his future.

Should he choose to pursue the NBA, he’d surely be a first-round selection. Should he return to Kentucky, he will have an opportunity to defend his National Player of the Year honors.

On Sunday, college basketball insider Jon Rothstein asked the Wildcat forward about which way he may be leaning. His answer should give Kentucky fans some hope.

“That is a great question. I’ve been praying about it, and I know I have a big decision to make… It would be great to be in the blue again because I love the place, I love the fans, I love everything about Kentucky, but whatever decision God tells me to do, that’s what I’m going to do.”

He certainly wasn’t dismissive of the thought of returning to the college game. It almost seems like he’s leaning that way, but NBA money can always change that.

If Tshiebwe does opt to come back, the rest of college basketball had better look out. He and the Wildcats may be on a redemption tour following that early exit from the NCAA Tournament.