Oscar Tshiebwe's final collegiate season won't get started the way he imagined. University of Kentucky coach John Calipari announced on Tuesday that the reigning National Player of the Year will have a “minor” procedure on his knee just less than a month before 2022-23 tips off.

Calipari announced the news on his personal Twitter account.

“I have good news and bad news,” he wrote. “Good news is Oscar had an unbelievable performance at Pro Day and the scouts loved what they saw. He came back to develop his game and become a more complete player and that's exactly what he displayed Saturday night. They loved it. Bad news is I kept him out of practice Sat. with knee stuff. He refused to sit out Pro Day and balled out. I made him sit out Mon. and get examined as a precaution. He's going to have a minor 15-minute procedure to clean some things up. Not a big deal, but no dancing at Madness!”

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Basketball News
Featured image Hunter Dickinson
Kansas basketball’s Hunter Dickinson lands with West team after NBA draftDylan Fine ·
Arkansas Razorbacks head coach John Calipari talks to forward Adou Thiero (3) during the second half against the Little Rock Trojans at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 79-67.
Arkansas Razorbacks HC John Calipari’s heartfelt reaction to Adou Thiero’s NBA journeyRichard Pereira ·
Mar 30, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) celebrates after a play during the second half in the South Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament against the Michigan State Spartans at State Farm Arena.
Auburn’s perfect reaction after 76ers draft Johni BroomeZachary Draves ·
Creighton Bluejays center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) reacts with head coach Greg McDermott during the second half against the Auburn Tigers in the second round to the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena.
Creighton celebrates after Hornets draft Ryan KalkbrennerDavid Yapkowitz ·
Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at Fiserv Forum.
Illinois basketball news: Brad Underwood’s promise after former players drafted back-to-backJake Faigus ·
Illinois Fighting Illini forward Will Riley (7) and guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) celebrate during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Williams Arena.
Kasparas Jakucionis, Will Riley sound off after going back-to-back in draftScotty White ·

Oscar Tshiebwe averaged 17.4 points and a country-leading 15.1 rebounds per game last season, emerging as the consensus National Player of the Year after transferring to Kentucky from West Virginia. The senior contemplated entering the 2022 NBA draft, but ultimately decided to come back to Lexington to improve his draft stock while reaping financial benefits of NIL agreements.

At 6'9, 260 pounds, Tshiebwe's blend of power, functional athleticism and hustle makes him one of the most productive college big men in years. Professional scouts hope to see him improve his shooting range and all-around skill with the ball this season, helping Tshiebwe better compensate for the size differential between NBA and NCAA competition. There are also questions about Tshiebwe's defensive capabilities at the next level given his relatively underwhelming physical tools.

Calipari shed no further light on the timeline for Tshiebwe's return to the floor. Expect high-flying sophomore Damion Collins to play a bigger role until Tshiebwe returns, picking up slack for a Wildcats team that's broadly considered a national title contender.