Oscar Tshiebwe arrives at UK

Newly committed big man Oscar Tshiebwe is officially on campus and should begin practicing with the Kentucky Wildcats this week. The school revealed Monday night that Tshiebwe had finally made his way to Lexington.

The 6-9, 240-pound Center from the Congo should add some immediate toughness in the paint for the Cats next season when he becomes eligible to play.

In the meantime, John Calipari will rely on Tshiebwe to bring some depth and competition to the practice floor.

It’s clear that Oliver Sarr has struggled with the athleticism and physicality of the SEC.

Is it possible that practicing against a imposing force like Tshiebwe will help Sarr and others produce in games?

It surely can’t hurt.

Tshiebwe, a former five star Class of 2019 recruit and McDonald’s All-American, was down to Kentucky and West Virginia before ultimately deciding to play for Bob Huggins in Morgantown. During the latter stages of his recruitment, it still seemed like UK would be his final landing spot.

Obviously, things didn’t go quite as planned, but when Tshiebwe was back on the market via the transfer portal, Calipari closed the deal on his second try.

This season as a sophomore, Tshiebwe averaged 8.5 points and 7.8 rebounds in 10 games before announcing he would transfer.

Tshiebwe is definitely going to bring a physical presence with him to Lexington, and if nothing else, will ensure the Cats aren’t getting pushed around.

That reason alone should be enough to get the Big Blue Nation excited for his arrival.