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Examining the Case: Hunter Dickinson or Oscar Tshiebwe?

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© Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK | © Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday morning, Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio reported on a rumor about former Michigan Wolverines big man Hunter Dickinson. That rumor being that he is interested in playing for the Kentucky Wildcats, contingent on Oscar Tshiebwe’s decision.

“[Kentucky] would love to have Oscar back, but Oscar is wanting to wait until the end to decide and Hunter wants to make a decision,” Jones said. “So Kentucky is hoping Oscar will make his decision this week so that whatever happens they don’t lose Dickinson in the process.”

For the sake of argument, let’s assume that Kentucky would have their choice between Hunter Dickinson and Oscar Tshiebwe, who are you picking? Let’s explore.

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The Case for Hunter Dickinson

Ranked as the No. 1 transfer in the portal by multiple services, Dickinson could choose to transfer to any school in the country, and for good reason. In three seasons at Michigan, the 7-foot-1 center has proved himself as an All-American caliber player, recording 31 double-doubles and totaling 1,600+ points and 750+ rebounds in the process.

While the talent is clearly there, how would he fit on Kentucky’s roster?

Offensively, Dickinson may be the best big man in the country. He is a throwback center who uses his 7’1, 260-pound frame to shield defenders and carve out space in the paint. With that size, he is able to easily establish position inside and can extend out to the three as a capable shooter. To add is able to make good passing reads out of the post.

However, outside of his offense, Dickinson still possesses the same issues as Tshiebwe, being that he is an average athlete who is too slow to guard quicker players on the perimeter. To add he is a solid rebounder, but not as good as Tshiebwe who is historically great.

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With all that being said, there are reports that Dickinson’s interest in Kentucky is questionable, suggesting he is only trying to drive up his NIL value, as many see his recruitment as a three-horse race between Georgetown, Kansas, and Maryland.

The Case for Oscar Tshiebwe

If Oscar Tsheiebwe were to hit the transfer portal again, he would undoubtedly be the No. 1 ranked player in the portal. In two seasons at Kentucky, Tshiebwe has proven himself as one of the best, if not the best, rebounders in the modern era of college basketball. To add, he is the program’s only unanimous National Player of the Year. Yet, it has resulted in just one NCAA Tournament win.

It’s not fair to put that burden solely on Tshiebwe, as there have been other contributing issues such as injuries, poor shooting at poor times, and roster deficiencies. However, it is fair to say that Tshiebwe is limited in some areas, notably on defense and passing out of the post.

Unlike his first two seasons, there are two capable players that can play center next season, five-star Aaron Bradshaw and a more developed Ugonna Onyenso. This will give the staff more options to compensate for Tshiebwe’s limitations, as both are great rim protectors and Bradshaw possesses impressive passing skills for a big. They both also serve as the lob threats that John Calipari likes to have.

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This past season, opposing teams sent multiple defenders to combat Tshiebwe’s dominance in the post. Including the likely return of Antonio Reeves, along with the incoming freshmen, teams should not be able to do that next season given the offensive strengths of those players. If they do, Tshiebwe will have better looks in the paint. To aid in that, he did show improvement in his footwork/post moves, something more understated.

To put it simply, Tshiebwe is a former National Player of the Year and two-time All-American. Despite his limitations, he is one of the best big men in the country. With a roster that holds traits that can mask his faults and if the staff uses him as they did for the majority of the time in his first season in Lexington – not forcing the ball into him, letting him create his offense from rebounding – he can help Kentucky be more successful.


In comparison, Dickinson (22) and Tshiebwe (23) are what they are for the most part, given their age. While Dickinson is a better all-around offensive option, I believe he is a worse fit as he will take away from other players.

Based on the play styles and offensive strengths of the incoming players, the Wildcats would be better suited with a player that is able to create his own without needing the ball, as Tshiebwe can. As mentioned, just with the supporting frontcourt pieces, next season’s Kentucky team could be better prepared to scheme around his flaws.

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Given what he has accomplished and done for the community, I would personally give Oscar some time to make his decision (1-2) weeks, if he and his people feel that it is necessary. However, the staff needs to make clear that they can’t wait forever because even if they aren’t able to get Dickinson due to waiting, they have to pursue someone.

What do you think? Provide your opinion in the comments below!

Also published on A Sea of Blue.

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Men's Basketball

Brandon Garrison Takes On A Leadership Role Heading Into Next Season

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Brandon Garrison and Kentucky head coach Mark Pope
Eddie Justice | UK Athletics

Brandon Garrison had his ups and downs during the 2024-25 season, at times making plays above his experience level on the court, and other times, causing unfortunate turnovers and making Big Blue Nation yell “pass the ball” when he attempted to show off his handles.

However, since the offseason has began, we’ve seen the backup big man from last year’s squad take major jumps in not only his skill set, but in his mentality and leadership as well.

“BG” announced that he was coming back to Kentucky on April 12 for the 2025-26 season, and since then, has been the talk of the town to be the starting center for Mark Pope’s second-year team.

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Last season, Garrison played behind Amari Williams, coming off of the bench and averaging 5.9 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game in just 17.3 minutes a night. 

Having played a year already in Pope’s system, Garrison may get a nod for the starting role over one of the transfer pickups, especially since Pope and the coaching staff have been publicly vocal about his development. With young players such as Jayden Quaintance and Malachi Moreno coming in behind Garrison, you can guarantee he will play a major role in their development.

In an offseason press conference, Pope said that Garrison has already taken on more of a mentorship role heading into next season.

“He’ll be the first to tell you that Amari Williams was a life-changing mentor for him,” Pope said. “He’s excited to help some other guys come along.”

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Pope added on that Garrison went out of his way to have breakfast and talk to four of the incoming transfers, on their official visits, about Kentucky and the way the staff does things.

“Brandon Garrison showed me some signs in the last month, and certainly this summer, where he is just, like he is growing up, man,” Pope said in an interview with KSR on May 22. “It’s so cool to see, it’s the best thing to see as a coach. He’s talking about what he wants to be. It’s no longer kind of what he is and who he is and how he acts, but it’s what he wants to become.”

As the season inches closer, we’ll learn more about Garrison’s impact on the court and if he’ll be the day one starter, but regardless, off the court, you can bet he has some wisdom to pass down.

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Former Wildcats Headline Thunder-Pacers NBA Finals Matchup

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Cason Wallace and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Kevin Jairaj | IMAGN

The NBA Finals tip off with familiar faces on both sides in the first-ever series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers.

For the first time since 2012, when the Thunder were led by Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City is in the NBA Finals. The franchise has the opportunity to earn its first title in Oklahoma City since the team’s rebrand and relocation in 2008.

As for the Pacers, it’s the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. Indiana is seeking its first championship in team history. 

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Oklahoma City’s superstar and crowning 2024-25 league MVP has continued his season-long dominance into the postseason. Averaging 31.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

Gilgeous-Alexander impressed as the Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1, as he led all but one game of the series in scoring. 

After an underwhelming performance in Game 3, Gilgeous-Alexander responded with a near triple-double performance, posting 40 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Oklahoma City defeated the Timberwolves narrowly, 128-126.

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The Thunder blew out Minnesota in Games 4 and 5 thanks to back-to-back massive performances by Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 34 and 40 points, respectively. Clinching his first bid to the NBA Finals. 

At midcourt after their Game 5 victory, OKC hoisted the Western Conference Trophy in front of their home crowd. Gilgeous-Alexander walked off with the Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson Trophy for his Western Conference Finals heroics.

Cason Wallace

Second-year pro Wallace is the Thunder’s ultimate plug-and-play contributor. Although Wallace isn’t a stat-stuffing machine like Gilgeous-Alexander, his defensive prowess stands out.

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In five games, the Kentucky product averaged 25.8 minutes per game off the bench. Wallace was often assigned to guard Wolves superstar Anthony Edwards. 

The 6-foot-4 guard averaged five points, 3.6 assists, 2.4 rebounds, and nearly a block and steal per game. 

Known for his hustle, Wallace excels at imposing himself on defense despite commonly matching up with larger opponents. His ability to disrupt the Timberwolves’ offense created offensive opportunities, which coincided with his pass-first mentality on offense.

Wallace could be found stealing from 7-foot-1 Frenchman Rudy Gobert in the post and nailing 3-pointers on the other end.

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In Game 5, Wallace scored only five points but had two rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Helping OKC seal a commanding 124-94 victory to punch their ticket to the NBA Finals.

Isaiah Jackson

The tallest former Wildcat out of the bunch, Jackson stands at 6-foot-9 as a physical off-the-bench presence for Indiana.

Unfortunately, the big man won’t be available to play in the NBA Finals. In the fifth game of the season, Jackson suffered a season-ending Achilles tear on Nov. 1 in a matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. 

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This season Jackson made six appearances for the Pacers, including a start against the Boston Celtics early in the season. Posting seven points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.

Despite the injury, the four-year Pacer would still receive a ring if Indiana wins for his short-lived contribution this season.

Game 1 of the NBA Finals tips-off on Thursday, June 5, at 8:30 p.m. ET.

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The 2025-26 Cats Consensus: It’s Time for Banner Number Nine

Every new and returning Wildcat shares the same dream: bringing a championship trophy to Lexington once more.

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Mark Pope in a crowd of fans at Big Blue Madness
Tyler Ruth | UK Athletics

“We are here to win banners.”

While just about everything Mark Pope said at his introductory press conference went viral in one way or another, that aforementioned declaration stood out amongst his crowd of quotes like no other to a fanbase more than a decade removed from a national championship.

To the big blue nation, Coach Pope’s words last spring were a much needed battle cry. Now, as he’s set to enter his second year at the helm, Pope has made sure the team he assembled for the 2025-26 season shares the same hunger.

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It begins on a basic level, with players across the board throwing the number “9” around on social media in posts, replies, and commitments. Much like the Kentucky faithful, the newest roster to roll through Lexington isn’t afraid to make reference to the top task at hand.

For (likely) starting point guard Jaland Lowe, it’s an opportunity he “can’t miss.” “See y’all soon #BBN,” he said in a post on X, announcing his return to the collegiate level. Lowe chose a junior season at Kentucky over a chance to be chosen in the NBA Draft. Otega Oweh, the now-projected SEC player of the year, would follow suit shortly thereafter.

The Ultimate Goal

Andrija Jelavic, a primary member of the incoming unit, as well as the team’s lone international player, dubbed the title chase as “the ultimate goal” in his interview with KY Insider. “We all [the team] agree that the ultimate goal is the same and that is to bring a championship to Kentucky, to the state and the fans,” he said.

To Jelavic, it goes further than hunger. It’s a responsibility.

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And that responsibility is what sets Kentucky apart from other programs. As awkward as the conversation around John Calipari can get, when push comes to shove, much of the dissatisfaction growing within the fanbase as his tenure came to a close was rooted in the coach’s apparent disinterest in winning another championship.

Year after year went by; top-ranked roster after top ranked roster. After a while, it seemed that Kentucky was more often mentioned in the first round of the NBA Draft than it was in the NCAA Tournament. The problem persisted, the tension festered and, ultimately, the two sides split… and it all goes back to that elusive ninth title.

Name on the Front of the Jersey

Mark Pope has said before that he wants to bring in guys who are playing for the name on the front of their jersey. It just so happens that there are enough of those like-minded athletes across the nation to build one of the consensus best teams in college basketball, all of whom are in full pursuit of a new blue banner in the rafters of Rupp.

With a mindset like that shared across the board and talent like the 2025-26 team has at hand, it’s only a matter of time before that dream becomes a reality once more. For the first time in more than a decade, the entire Big Blue Nation is on the same page – and that includes the guys who can actually make it happen.

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