Pilgrim’s Intel: Will it be Tshiebwe, Hunter Dickinson or neither? That’s the big question Big Blue Nation is dying to have answered.
Here’s the thing: Kentucky’s star center is still in the midst of testing the draft waters and is currently in the process of scheduling workouts with NBA teams — some already on the docket. And he’d like to turn pro if the right opportunity presents itself, whether that’s a guaranteed deal as a second-round pick or a two-way contract from a franchise with promising long-term plans to keep Tshiebwe around. Those conversations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Dickinson is interested in Kentucky and has conveyed that message to the coaching staff. There is concern, though, that the All-American center is using the Wildcats — among other high-profile schools — to drum up NIL guarantees elsewhere. Maryland and Kansas are seen as the top contenders to land his services as of today, with a visit to the latter scheduled for Thursday.
Therein lies the dilemma for Calipari and the program. Do you pass on Dickinson and risk Tshiebwe turning pro? Or do you push for the star transfer knowing there’s a chance he simply turns and takes the highest NIL offer on the table from another school? And does that kill any shot the reigning national player of the year returns to Lexington? It’s a tricky spot for Kentucky.
The Wildcats would take Dickinson’s commitment, but they’re not interested in a bidding war. Not for the Michigan transfer, not for Tshiebwe, not for anyone. Beyond NIL, they’re also not interested in guarantees regarding minutes, touches and role. That’s something to keep in mind as UK weighs its options and any potential demands, past and present.
In short, it’s complicated. But the conversations start with seeing just how serious Dickinson is about coming to Kentucky.
Here’s the thing: Kentucky’s star center is still in the midst of testing the draft waters and is currently in the process of scheduling workouts with NBA teams — some already on the docket. And he’d like to turn pro if the right opportunity presents itself, whether that’s a guaranteed deal as a second-round pick or a two-way contract from a franchise with promising long-term plans to keep Tshiebwe around. Those conversations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Dickinson is interested in Kentucky and has conveyed that message to the coaching staff. There is concern, though, that the All-American center is using the Wildcats — among other high-profile schools — to drum up NIL guarantees elsewhere. Maryland and Kansas are seen as the top contenders to land his services as of today, with a visit to the latter scheduled for Thursday.
Therein lies the dilemma for Calipari and the program. Do you pass on Dickinson and risk Tshiebwe turning pro? Or do you push for the star transfer knowing there’s a chance he simply turns and takes the highest NIL offer on the table from another school? And does that kill any shot the reigning national player of the year returns to Lexington? It’s a tricky spot for Kentucky.
The Wildcats would take Dickinson’s commitment, but they’re not interested in a bidding war. Not for the Michigan transfer, not for Tshiebwe, not for anyone. Beyond NIL, they’re also not interested in guarantees regarding minutes, touches and role. That’s something to keep in mind as UK weighs its options and any potential demands, past and present.
In short, it’s complicated. But the conversations start with seeing just how serious Dickinson is about coming to Kentucky.
Kentucky Basketball Roster Tracker: Oscar Tshiebwe vs. Hunter Dickinson
No official updates this week regarding next year's roster, but there are rumblings on Oscar Tshiebwe, Hunter Dickinson and Antonio Reeves
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