Meet the 2022-23 Kentucky Wildcats: Expect a more versatile Oscar Tshiebwe this season

We’re getting to know all 15 of the 2022-23 Kentucky Wildcats. Here is what to expect from one of the UK seniors. Watch Kentucky.com for stories about all of the remaining Cats as the preseason unfolds.

Oscar Tshiebwe

Uniform number: 34.

Height/weight: 6-9, 260.

Position: Forward.

Class: Senior.

Age: 22.

Hometown: Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.

High school: Kennedy Catholic (Pa.).

Tshiebwe’s role in 2022-23: The reigning national player of the year needs no introduction. Tshiebwe put up ridiculous rebounding numbers in his first season as a Wildcat — leading the nation with 15.2 boards per game — but he also led UK in scoring at 17.4 points per game and quickly established himself as the heart and soul of the program.

Tshiebwe will bring the same never-quit attitude in his second season at Kentucky, but he’s been focusing in on other areas of his game as he works to fulfill his dual goal of winning the program’s ninth national championship and working his way deeper into the NBA Draft discussion.

“He’s a better passer. He’s a better dribbler. He has a better feel,” John Calipari said recently. Tshiebwe’s teammates have confirmed all of that in separate interviews. He’s also been working on improving his mobility, which should make him a better and more versatile defender, especially away from the basket and while protecting the rim.

Kentucky’s returning veterans have all said that Tshiebwe has become a better all-around player this offseason. That’s a scary thought for the rest of the college basketball world.

The UK star is dealing with an October knee procedure that has sidelined him for the preseason schedule, but it is not expected to have a major effect on his 2022-23 campaign.