J. Wassermen Draft Update/Prediction Re Oscar

[JST390-2]

-Oscar Tshiebwe unsurprisingly had two productive scrimmages, totaling 26 points and 25 rebounds in 41 minutes. NBA teams are obviously well aware of his physicality, motor and nose for the ball around the basket. The question is whether he moved the needle with some of the mid-range shots he hit, plus the threes he knocked down during his pro day.

While we're still talking about a potential second-round pick, he only improved his chances of convincing a team that there could be a role for him, and that there is a possible outcome where Tshiebwe becomes a regular threat to make some rhythm jump shots.

60. Milwaukee Bucks: Oscar Tshiebwe (Kentucky, PF/C, Senior)
Last pick of the draft

 

[STL_Cat]

last pick ... ouch

 

[Sejonesy]

I can’t believe professional NBA writers don’t know there are only 58 picks this year due to the Sixers and Bulls losing a pick due to violating rules.

 

[YardCat]

If he is last pick, he should stay in the draft. I don’t know if he can get any higher, just like Ullis, he should have stayed and graduated, but he went when his name was hot and made some money.

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

-Oscar Tshiebwe unsurprisingly had two productive scrimmages, totaling 26 points and 25 rebounds in 41 minutes. NBA teams are obviously well aware of his physicality, motor and nose for the ball around the basket. The question is whether he moved the needle with some of the mid-range shots he hit, plus the threes he knocked down during his pro day.

While we're still talking about a potential second-round pick, he only improved his chances of convincing a team that there could be a role for him, and that there is a possible outcome where Tshiebwe becomes a regular threat to make some rhythm jump shots.

60. Milwaukee Bucks: Oscar Tshiebwe (Kentucky, PF/C, Senior)
Last pick of the draft

Did he say anything about reeves

 

[kyjeff1]

If he is last pick, he should stay in the draft. I don’t know if he can get any higher, just like Ullis, he should have stayed and graduated, but he went when his name was hot and made some money.

Ask Will Levis how draft projections worked out for him.

It would be different if Oscar was projected 40th, but last pick in the draft is one red pubic hair away from getting nothing.

 

[JST390-2]

Did he say anything about reeves

Nothing …some names of kids from smaller schools rising up the boards off my memory

 

[bookerfan66]

That seems a big risk to take.I don't know about the NIL situation with Oscar and the problems with him being from another country so he might have to leave to make money no matter what.

 

[MWes11]

That seems a big risk to take.I don't know about the NIL situation with Oscar and the problems with him being from another country so he might have to leave to make money no matter what.

Exactly. This is why he was doing so much NIL stuff while in the Bahamas last year because he couldn't do it in the States. I am assuming he could do the same in Canada this year, but that info is a little over my head.

 

[STL_Cat]

If he is last pick, he should stay in the draft. I don’t know if he can get any higher, just like Ullis, he should have stayed and graduated, but he went when his name was hot and made some money.

I don't think being projected as the last pick in the draft is comforting enough to stay in.

 

[EliteBlue]

I think he deserves a shot in the NBA but….Oscar could make a really solid living overseas annd have a long career…and he’s international born anyways so overseas may even allow him to be closer to his family.

 

[rivercatinfl]

I think that's about as good as it will get for Oscar in an NBA draft. He is putting his best foot forward and if he doesn't get drafted can play in Europe or make a team as an undrafted free agent.
Coming back to UK won't help him IMO.

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

That seems a big risk to take.I don't know about the NIL situation with Oscar and the problems with him being from another country so he might have to leave to make money no matter what.

I agree the risk is very high. Unless he's received a guarantee from a team in the middle of the 2nd round, I don't think it's worth the risk to sweat out the last few picks. That being said, maybe he has confidence that he can make a team as an un-signed free agent.

Personally I think I'd prefer to go back to college, take my shot at an NCAA title (and by the way, make more money in NIL than I would as an NBA rookie), and try to improve my stock further.

 

[drcats2013]

Ask Will Levis how draft projections worked out for him.

It would be different if Oscar was projected 40th, but last pick in the draft is one red pubic hair away from getting nothing.

Why does it have to be red? You a fire crotch, Jeff?!

 

[track42]

I think that's about as good as it will get for Oscar in an NBA draft. He is putting his best foot forward and if he doesn't get drafted can play in Europe or make a team as an undrafted free agent.
Coming back to UK won't help him IMO.

It all depends on the NIL IMO.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

He will be back as will Threeves
Preseason #1.
Oscar will NIL his way to the bank while improving his jumper and defense.
Cats go 40-0, win #9 and Cal calls it quits.
Its a win-win for this board.

 

[kyjeff1]

Why does it have to be red? You a fire crotch, Jeff?!

Oh no, but from experience, red is the thinnest… .and meanest. 😁

 

[kyjeff1]

Here's the thing, if Oscar is projected that low and on the very edge of going undrafted, he can get that after another year in college, where he can make great NIL money, as long as he stays healthy.

Now, this would he totally different if he was a first rounder, but he's projected, at best, as the lest pick in the 2nd round. The odds he doesn't get picked at all, are extremely high. Why would you risk that, when there us guaranteed money at UK?

 

[Lempface]

It all depends on the NIL IMO.

Agreed, why leave 500k+ on the table when you might get shipped to GLeague having to travel the country in busses, playing in front of tiny crowds? I know he wants to get to the NBA but maximize your earning potential first in a final year in a place that puts college ball on a pedestal.

 

[Rockfly78]

If he is last pick, he should stay in the draft. I don’t know if he can get any higher, just like Ullis, he should have stayed and graduated, but he went when his name was hot and made some money.

quite the opposite. If he is the last pick then he needs to come to KY and make more NIL money. He has a one year window to get those dollars. The NBA isn't going anywhere. He can be the last pick next year if he wants but he has nowhere to go but up. I suppose he could fall further but if that's what happens then overseas was really his only option

 

[ala_kat2]

He will be back as will Threeves
Preseason #1.
Oscar will NIL his way to the bank while improving his jumper and defense.
Cats go 40-0, win #9 and Cal calls it quits.
Its a win-win for this board.

I love your unbridled optimism, but reality tells me different.

 

[JonathanW]

If he is last pick, he should stay in the draft. I don’t know if he can get any higher, just like Ullis, he should have stayed and graduated, but he went when his name was hot and made some money.

You are wrong about Ulis. Ulis is one of my 2-3 all-time favorites, and I think he is the best PG I've seen at UK in 40 years.
BUT....
If he ever aspired to be a pro (which he of course did), he had to go then, when his Draft Stock was at it's highest!
Because he honestly wasn't going to get much if any better. And the NBA automatically lowers the value of players the older they get (maybe because they see how much improvement is left for a guy to make, or if he has hit his ceiling). So unless he was going to GROW 3+", he had to go then.
Now if NIL existed when he played, then it would have been the smartest thing for him to stay 2 more years, get the NIL a very good AND loved UK player could make. But NIL did not exist then.

 

[JonathanW]

He will be back as will Threeves
Preseason #1.
Oscar will NIL his way to the bank while improving his jumper and defense.
Cats go 40-0, win #9 and Cal calls it quits.
Its a win-win for this board.

Nice to see someone using MY name for Reeves (Threeves). BTW, that will be 5 cents everytime someone uses that. My Venmo is ....

 

[JonathanW]

Here's the thing, if Oscar is projected that low and on the very edge of going undrafted, he can get that after another year in college, where he can make great NIL money, as long as he stays healthy.

Now, this would he totally different if he was a first rounder, but he's projected, at best, as the lest pick in the 2nd round. The odds he doesn't get picked at all, are extremely high. Why would you risk that, when there us guaranteed money at UK?

But can he (get that a year from now)? Supppose teams add him, seeing that jumper thinking he could become a good 3pt shooter. But then after 1 more year in college, and Cal not letting him shoot it, could they then decide "huh, he didn't develop it after all". I mean it's a proven fact that the longer a player stays in college, the lower his NBA value is.

 

[BGCATFAN2012]

1 more year Oscar and you will be inside of 40.

 

[YardCat]

If h is last pick, he should stay in the draft. I don’t know if he can get any higher, just like Ullis, he should have stayed and graduated, but he went when his name was hot and made some money x

Here's the thing, if Oscar is projected that low and on the very edge of going undrafted, he can get that after another year in college, where he can make great NIL money, as long as he stays healthy.

Now, this would he totally different if he was a first rounder, but he's projected, at best, as the lest pick in the 2nd round. The odds he doesn't get picked at all, are extremely high. Why would you risk that, when there us guaranteed money at UK?

I would love to have him back but that is selfish on my part as a fan, but would another year at UK hurt him for next year’s draft. And if he comes back, Cal isn’t letting Oscar shoot 3’s or handle the ball. His butt will be in the paint, Cal style.

 

[Cats192]

But can he (get that a year from now)? Supppose teams add him, seeing that jumper thinking he could become a good 3pt shooter. But then after 1 more year in college, and Cal not letting him shoot it, could they then decide "huh, he didn't develop it after all". I mean it's a proven fact that the longer a player stays in college, the lower his NBA value is.

He's just not giving up anything to worry about.

He MIGHT go #60. He MIGHT go undrafted. While he may not be projected at #60 a year from now, I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable enough leaving to MAYBE be the last pick in the draft.

While it's true, staying in college longer hurts one's draft stock--Oscar's stock really can't go much lower. A 23 year old rookie is already OLD. 23 isn't seen as much better than 24 in NBA terms.

 

[westerncat]

Exactly. This is why he was doing so much NIL stuff while in the Bahamas last year because he couldn't do it in the States. I am assuming he could do the same in Canada this year, but that info is a little over my head.

I was thinking the same thing about Canada . Love for him to realize his dream of getting into the NBA but I might be best for him to come back. Just don't see him making an NBA team. I believe a lot of guys make good money playing overseas.

 

[NociHTTP]

Even with all the writing they're doing about Oscar, it all seems to boil down to he has a nose for rebounds, can't create his own shot, doesn't get involved in the offense (passing or creating opportunities for others). He seemes to be off doing his own thing. So unless he's being brought in for garbage minutes or to try and grab some boards, there's no room for him in the NBA. He better come back.

 

[ralphdaltonfan]

This entire situation is absurd. Everyone involved are clowns if they wait until May 31st. This is not a difficult decision. Nobody involved has any NBA stock and the entire program is acting like it's at a halt because non NBA talent are dragging out their decisions. Pathetic.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I guess the other side is.. maybe late 2nd round is his peak for what the NBA thinks of him. He's one knee injury away from possibly *never* making it in the NBA.

Unfortunately, it still feels like he's going to stay int he draft.

 

[UK90]

and he’s international born anyways so overseas may even allow him to be closer to his family.

This logic might make sense if he was from Europe or Asia …but not the Congo. There are no high-paying leagues anywhere within thousands of miles of his family.

 

[ralphdaltonfan]

I guess the other side is.. maybe late 2nd round is his peak for what the NBA thinks of him. He's one knee injury away from possibly *never* making it in the NBA.

Unfortunately, it still feels like he's going to stay int he draft.

I have no problem with Oscar whatsoever. He gave everything he had and from everything I've heard from friend he's wanted to go and still wants to leave and pursue a professional career. Those around him? Selfish and nothing about their voice speaks to what Oscar wants to do. Hate Cal all you want but he cares about his players and knows what Oscar prefers to do and NBA word was "nothing is going to change-might as well enter now and only thing that happens if you stay is you risk getting injured and are a year older" which is important unless you believe Oscar is really only going to turn 24 this upcoming year. If Oscar is forced to return, Cal's biggest job will be motivating him to embrace something he doesn't want to do. Nobody even thinks of people and their mentality in this-they all have selfish reasons for wanting things to be done to entertain their interests.

He's earned the right to do what he chooses.

Reeves/Livingston....this isn't that hard. Want to stay/go just say something.

 

[Woodrow_Call_1998]

I have no problem with Oscar whatsoever. He gave everything he had and from everything I've heard from friend he's wanted to go and still wants to leave and pursue a professional career. Those around him? Selfish and nothing about their voice speaks to what Oscar wants to do. Hate Cal all you want but he cares about his players and knows what Oscar prefers to do and NBA word was "nothing is going to change-might as well enter now and only thing that happens if you stay is you risk getting injured and are a year older" which is important unless you believe Oscar is really only going to turn 24 this upcoming year. If Oscar is forced to return, Cal's biggest job will be motivating him to embrace something he doesn't want to do. Nobody even thinks of people and their mentality in this-they all have selfish reasons for wanting things to be done to entertain their interests.

He's earned the right to do what he chooses.

Reeves/Livingston....this isn't that hard. Want to stay/go just say something.

Great post

 

[track42]

I have no problem with Oscar whatsoever. He gave everything he had and from everything I've heard from friend he's wanted to go and still wants to leave and pursue a professional career. Those around him? Selfish and nothing about their voice speaks to what Oscar wants to do. Hate Cal all you want but he cares about his players and knows what Oscar prefers to do and NBA word was "nothing is going to change-might as well enter now and only thing that happens if you stay is you risk getting injured and are a year older" which is important unless you believe Oscar is really only going to turn 24 this upcoming year. If Oscar is forced to return, Cal's biggest job will be motivating him to embrace something he doesn't want to do. Nobody even thinks of people and their mentality in this-they all have selfish reasons for wanting things to be done to entertain their interests.

He's earned the right to do what he chooses.

Reeves/Livingston....this isn't that hard. Want to stay/go just say something.

I think it's more promises made to the newcomers next season that is really hurting UK right now.UK really needs a 4 but won't even try because of the Bradshaw promise.

 

[FitchandMurray29]

I was thinking the same thing about Canada . Love for him to realize his dream of getting into the NBA but I might be best for him to come back. Just don't see him making an NBA team. I believe a lot of guys make good money playing overseas.

I think Jones recently said on KSR that Oscar would not be able to do the stuff he did in the Bahamas in Canada for some reason.

 

[NociHTTP]

I have no problem with Oscar whatsoever. He gave everything he had and from everything I've heard from friend he's wanted to go and still wants to leave and pursue a professional career. Those around him? Selfish and nothing about their voice speaks to what Oscar wants to do. Hate Cal all you want but he cares about his players and knows what Oscar prefers to do and NBA word was "nothing is going to change-might as well enter now and only thing that happens if you stay is you risk getting injured and are a year older" which is important unless you believe Oscar is really only going to turn 24 this upcoming year. If Oscar is forced to return, Cal's biggest job will be motivating him to embrace something he doesn't want to do. Nobody even thinks of people and their mentality in this-they all have selfish reasons for wanting things to be done to entertain their interests.

He's earned the right to do what he chooses.

Reeves/Livingston....this isn't that hard. Want to stay/go just say something.

The issue with Cal is that he places the dreams of the players (NBA) way, way above the success of the basketball program. He was hired to win championships for the University of Kentucky, not NBA Draft Night. Cal even said himself on his first public appearance that he wanted to chase UCLA in titles. He has NOT done what was necessary to make that happen, it's not arguable.

As for Oscar, it's well known that he's a workhouse (rebounds) but has issues gelling with others on the court, and being receptive to what's he told by staffing. He had that issue at WVU under Huggins, and it reared its ugly head last season at UK. Cal said something to the effect that Oscar wasn't participating in plays, and even Oscar himself said that he wasn't learning/adapting. There were issues in the lockerroom, and it wasn't just Wheeler.

I think for Oscar, he NEEDS to come back and dedicate his time to doing the things he doesn't do well. That might mean not putting up double digits in rebounds every game, but maybe he makes more of an effort to facilitate and comes up with more assists and blocks. What's important to Oscar? From a lockeroom and team offense perspective, I think a change is needed.

 

[Big Foot 275]

He will be back as will Threeves
Preseason #1.
Oscar will NIL his way to the bank while improving his jumper and defense.
Cats go 40-0, win #9 and Cal calls it quits.
Its a win-win for this board.

A little early to be drunk.

 

[Dontworryboutit23]

I have no problem with Oscar whatsoever. He gave everything he had and from everything I've heard from friend he's wanted to go and still wants to leave and pursue a professional career. Those around him? Selfish and nothing about their voice speaks to what Oscar wants to do. Hate Cal all you want but he cares about his players and knows what Oscar prefers to do and NBA word was "nothing is going to change-might as well enter now and only thing that happens if you stay is you risk getting injured and are a year older" which is important unless you believe Oscar is really only going to turn 24 this upcoming year. If Oscar is forced to return, Cal's biggest job will be motivating him to embrace something he doesn't want to do. Nobody even thinks of people and their mentality in this-they all have selfish reasons for wanting things to be done to entertain their interests.

He's earned the right to do what he chooses.

Reeves/Livingston....this isn't that hard. Want to stay/go just say something.

This. Couldn’t agree more. Oscar played his ass off and got let down in to two tournament games by his teammates. The only issue with Oscar leaving is who do they get to replace him this late

 

[gamecockcat]

I'm thinking, at best, his future will be in Europe or other international leagues where he will probably be a solid player for 7+ years. Just don't think he checks enough boxes for the NBA to have much of a career there. If he plays overseas, wouldn't he make comparable money there vs NIL? And, I think he'd be used better to improve his talents against better competition - in short, he'd improve more in the pros than another year in college. It's very possible, if he returns, he's not the #1 option and doesn't put up comparably good numbers and he drops out of contention for overseas league money. In this case, I think going pro makes more sense for Oscar. Many others I thought were crazy for going pro, but Oscar is 23 and isn't going to be allowed to improve his shortcomings at UK (imo) so moving on makes more sense to me.