Oscar Tshiebwe is a unique player, in any era. He isn't one for all of the glitz and glam, for all the accolades, he is a blue-collar worker who only wants to go out, control what he can control and call it a day. Well, as it turns out, he is able to control one of the most valuable things in today’s game, the boards, against all comers.
Of course, Tshiebwe came to West Virginia with all the accolades, he was a 5-star recruit and a McDonald's All American. He even won Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Pennsylvania after averaging just over 24 points, 18 boards and 5 blocks per game at Kennedy Catholic.
Of course, we had the good fortune of having Tshiebwe playing in his very first event in the United States at our Virginia Top 80 camp. That camp also included the likes of Isaiah Todd, Mac McClung, Mark Williams, Henry Coleman, Dereon Seabron, and others. Even within a cast of players that deep, it was Tshiebwe who won camp MVP that day.
Here is footage of Oscar Tshiebwe from the 2016 Virginia Top 80…
Even then you could tell, Tshiebwe was a man amongst boys. He plays with incredible strength and explosion and has a non-stop motor, especially when rebounding and on defense. Tshiebwe stepped onto campus at West Virginia as one of the premier rebounders in all of college basketball. Since the 1992-93 season, there have only been 16 players who have averaged 10+ rebounds per game as a freshman, on that list are the likes of Anthony Davis, Deandre Ayton, Marvin Bailey III, Julius Randle, Ben Simmons, Mo Bamba, Jared Sullinger, and others.
Early into this season, Tshiebwe is pushing a double/double with 9.7 points and 9.7 boards, he is also adding in 1.5 blocks per game as well in only 22 minutes play. This puts his per 40 numbers up to 17.6 points, 17.6 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. Add in his 21.4 PER and his 89.0 Defensive Rating and you see why this article is being written.
Sure Tshiebwe is still working out some kinks, especially on the offensive end, however, there is one thing for sure, he may be the most ferocious, the most natural rebounder in college basketball today. With rebounding being one of the most translatable skill sets, watch for him to soar up draft boards.