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The Kentucky Wildcats are in the process of righting the ship after a rough start to the 2020-21 season.
However, John Calipari just landed a massive addition for the 2021-22 season, as West Virginia transfer Oscar Tshiebwe has committed to Kentucky.
In his 41-game career at West Virginia, Tshiebwe averaged 10.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and shot 54% from the field and 69.2% from the free-throw line.
Tshiebwe is in the process of submitting his paperwork and will join the team on campus next week. However, he will not be eligible until the 2021-22 season. He will practice this season which will be a big help for the current team to get tougher going up against a physical force like Tshiebwe.
Once again, this is a massive get for the Cats, as it is rare that you add a McDonalds All-American with three years of eligibility remaining and one that was the Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the big news:
I am grateful for the time I spent at West Virginia, and the lessons that I learned. I’ve spent a lot of time praying to God to help me make the best decision for my future. I am excited for this new chapter of my life. I will continue my career at the University of Kentucky #BBN pic.twitter.com/rm08UwtDBI
— Big O (@Oscartshiebwe34) January 11, 2021
— Lucas Raye (@lukeraye1985) January 11, 2021
Oscar Tshiebwe commits to Kentucky! #BBN #WeAreUK https://t.co/JGdX3z6m9h
— A Sea of Blue (@ASeaOfBlue) January 11, 2021
— Jai Lucas (@CoachJLuc) January 11, 2021
Oscar Tshiebwe told KSR back in 2019 that he would have committed to Kentucky had he not signed with West Virginia.
— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) January 11, 2021
“It was a hard decision because I like Kentucky and I love Coach Calipari.”
Calipari and the UK staff didn’t miss the second time around. pic.twitter.com/6CWCTP2nW9
Big get. Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year. Won’t be a better transfer out there after the season #BBN https://t.co/GHxOKOmaTu
— Big Blue Nation (@BigB1ue9ation) January 11, 2021
We don’t know exactly what it will look like but UK’s frontcourt will be nasty next season.
— T.J. Walker (@TJWalkerRadio) January 11, 2021
Oscar Tshiebwe last season pic.twitter.com/k1ESVkifXU
— Cats Coverage (@CatsCoverage_) January 11, 2021
That Oscar Tshiebwe-Daimion Collins Kentucky frontcourt. pic.twitter.com/zi7xtKUzoq
— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) January 11, 2021
Oscar Tshiebwe is a massive addition for the Kentucky Wildcats. Not sure who will return for Calipari’s bunch next year but regardless, not everyday you add a McDonald’s All-American with three years remaining.
— Jake (@jakeweingarten) January 11, 2021
Him and Daimion Collins on the floor together will be exciting.
It can’t be stated enough what Oscar Tshiebwe immediately brings to Kentucky basketball practices.
— Grant Traylor (@GrantTraylor) January 11, 2021
All the hustle plays he brings + toughness around the rim will make those around him better in the practice setting - especially young guys learning their way.
Huge get for UK!
Big addition. Kentucky wanted him out of high school. He's legit. And the Cats' frontcourt next season could be pretty damn intimidating. https://t.co/PHwY5aCu30
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTucker_ATH) January 11, 2021
I thought for sure Oscar Tshiebwe was going to pick UK next year. Getting him as transfer now is huge
— Vaughts' Views (@vaughtsviews) January 11, 2021
So West Virginia transfer Oscar Tshiebwe just committed to Kentucky. MASSIVE get for the Wildcats. Former McDonald's All-American averaged 11 and 9 as a freshman last season. Isn't a better big guy available in the portal or in HS hoops. Should be a major contributor in 2021-2022
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) January 11, 2021
BREAKING NEWS: Oscar Tshiebwe has just committed to The University Of Kentucky. #BBN pic.twitter.com/wG8jXNRNt0
— Daniel Smith (@ukfandan37) January 11, 2021
Kentucky secures big-time West Virginia transfer, Oscar Tshiebwe. While raw, the sophomore is already one of the beastliest rebounders in the country and has the potential to be much, much more.
— CollegeBB News (@CollegeBBNCAA) January 11, 2021
@oscartshiebwe Welcome to the BBN. We are lucky and proud to have you. Can not wait to see you tear it up on the floor.
— Trenton (@wildcattweeter) January 11, 2021
Sh-ew-bway or shoob-way. Feel like this pronunciation is going to take some time for some folks.
— T.J. Walker (@TJWalkerRadio) January 11, 2021
John Calipari has signed a lot of long, athletic bigs who can block shots and finish above the rim, but I think it's been a while since he's had a bruising, physical force on the block like Oscar Tshiebwe.
— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) January 11, 2021
Oscar Tshiebwe will help the current team get tougher with his physicality. He's huge and strong.
— Danny Davis M(4-6) W#10(9-3) (5-6) (@DannyDa27021564) January 11, 2021
HUGE get for Kentucky and Calipari. This year’s Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year will be a Cat next season
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) January 11, 2021
There won’t be a better transfer available in the Off-season and UK already has him
Kentucky getting Oscar Tshiebwe is just not fair
— Derrick (@THEGYMRAT13) January 11, 2021
CBS Sports on top of their game today.... pic.twitter.com/PBhJa5njhE
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) January 11, 2021
C’mon man.
West Virginia fans are SO mad right now lol
— Chandler Craker (@Chandlercraker1) January 11, 2021
This is a huge pickup for the Wildcats, a recruitment spearheaded by John Calipari and Joel Justus.
— Travis Branham (@TravisBranham_) January 11, 2021
Tshiebwe was heavily pursued by Kentucky out of high school and they now land him as what could be the top transfer to hit the market this year.
Reid Travis was strong as an ox but don’t think he’s on the level athletically of an Oscar Tshiebwe.
— Chris Fisher (@ChrisFisher247) January 11, 2021
#BuiltDifferent pic.twitter.com/DPfgZ4rz4L
— Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) January 11, 2021
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