2021 Naismith Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe returning to Kentucky

The Kentucky Wildcats will have a big ace on their 2022-23 squad.

Reigning Naismith Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe announced Wednesday his plans to return to the program next season. Tshiebwe made the announcement during an interview on ESPN.

Tshiebwe not only won Naismith Player of the Year, but he was SEC Player of the Year as well this past season. He averaged 17.4 points and 15.2 rebounds per game while shooting 60.6 percent from the floor. He was a consensus All-American selection and also landed on the 2021-22 All-SEC team.

Oscar Tshiebwe was ranked 44th on ESPN’s Top 100 NBA Draft prospects list.

Tshiebwe will reportedly be making some money in his return to Kentucky. Stadium’s Jeff Goodman reported that he will make nearly $2 million, which is quite the deal for him to bring him back to school.

The SEC is going to have a lot to look forward to on the hardwood next season now. Arkansas is pegged by many to have a huge season, but now with Kentucky securing the reigning NPOY, it’s likely they’re going to give them serious chase.