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Oscar Tshiebwe reportedly trending toward UK: Who will win in the end?

The former five-star center is expected to make a decision very soon. Is Kentucky in front?

West Virginia v Kansas Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

A familiar name from the past has recently emerged as a potential transfer candidate for John Calipari.

Oscar Tshiebwe, a former five-star recruit who ultimately decided to play for West Virginia after being courted by Kentucky until the final hours, is looking for a change of scenery, and Lexington is on his list of potential landing spots.

The 6-9, 260-pound big-man is back on the market, and UK finds themselves right in the thick of Round 2 of Tshiebwe’s recruitment.

As you probably know the Cats aren’t the only program that has the chance to land a solid frontcourt piece.

Illinois, Miami and North Carolina are the other schools in contention. Each coaching staff had the chance to give their pitch via Zoom when Tshiebwe went through a gauntlet of online meetings this week, which included a reported chat with John Calipari on Friday evening.

As of now the plan is for a Sunday announcement, and Jeff Goodman thinks Kentucky may have jumped into the lead.

Things moved really quickly in this unusual situation, which may play into UK’s favor considering Tshiebwe was heavily recruited by John Calipari not long ago.

Tshiebwe wouldn’t be eligible to play until the 2021-2022 season, but there is no denying that all of the potential he showed in high school.

Tshiebwe has a solid freshman year for the Mountaineers, averaging over 11 points per game. However, things obviously weren’t going terrific in the first half of his sophomore year or he wouldn’t be transferring. Production fell off and there was enough reason for Tshiebwe to come to the conclusion that his time in Morgantown was down.

Could Calipari swing and miss again?

We likely won’t have to wait long to find out, as Tshiebwe is expected to decide Sunday, according to the Herald-Leader.

Kentucky is facing some legitimate competition to land Tshiebwe, and who knows how this seasons struggles may impact his final decision.

Where do you think Oscar Tshiebwe ends up?

Poll

Which school lands Oscar Tshiebwe?

This poll is closed

  • 4%
    Miami
    (49 votes)
  • 86%
    Kentucky
    (849 votes)
  • 4%
    Illinois
    (44 votes)
  • 1%
    NC State
    (18 votes)
  • 2%
    Other
    (25 votes)
985 votes total Vote Now

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