Kentucky star Tshiebwe makes season debut

INDIANAPOLIS — Kentucky ahead Oscar Tshiebwe, the Picket Award winner, made his season debut in Tuesday’s matchup in opposition to Michigan State on the Champions Traditional.

Tshiebwe, who may develop into the second participant to win the Picket Award twice since Ralph Sampson achieved the feat 40 years in the past, had missed No. 4 Kentucky’s first two video games as he recovered from an offseason knee process.

Tshiebwe entered the sport after the primary TV timeout with 14:55 to go within the first half when Kentucky had a 6-4 lead over Michigan State.

John Calipari had beforehand mentioned that he wouldn’t play Tshiebwe until he personally cleared him to return.

Earlier than Tuesday’s sport, Tshiebwe labored out with a coach and warmed up together with his teammates.

The return of Tshiebwe, who will reportedly make a seven-figure greenback quantity on identify, picture and likeness offers this season, extends an unbelievable week for Calipari, who acquired a dedication from D.J. Wagner on Monday.

Wagner, the No. 1 recruit within the 2023 class per ESPN, picked Kentucky over Louisville, its chief rival.

After Kentucky’s matchup in opposition to Michigan State, it can face South Carolina State on Thursday earlier than touring to Spokane, Washington, to face No. 2 Gonzaga on Sunday.