Oscar Tshiebwe: A Rising Star’s Journey from the Congo to the NBA

Oscar Tshiebwe, a 26-year-old professional basketball player from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is making his mark in the NBA. Currently under a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz, Tshiebwe’s story is one of dedication, faith and relentless pursuit of his dreams.

Early Life and Introduction to Basketball

Born on November 27, 1999, in Lubumbashi, DRC, Tshiebwe initially played football before transitioning to basketball at the age of 15. Inspired by Congolese NBA player Bismack Biyombo, he began honing his skills, training in the hills and mountains near his hometown. His father, a Pentecostal pastor, instilled in him the importance of giving and service, values that continue to guide him both on and off the court. As Tshiebwe recalls, his father emphasized the importance of helping others, stating, “That’s what God wants us to do.” [1]

High School and Collegiate Career

In November 2015, Tshiebwe moved to the United States, enrolling at Mountain Mission School in Grundy, Virginia. He later transferred to Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, where he excelled, averaging 23.4 points and 18 rebounds per game in his senior year and leading the team to a PIAA Class 6A championship. [1]

Tshiebwe’s collegiate career began at West Virginia University (2019–2021), followed by a transfer to the University of Kentucky (2021–2023). At Kentucky, he achieved significant recognition, setting a school record with 28 rebounds in a single game against Western Kentucky. [1] He was named the consensus national player of the year in 2022, earning the Sporting News Player of the Year, the SEC Player of the Year, and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award. [1] He also received the Pete Newell Big Man Award in 2022. [1]

Professional Career

After going undrafted in the 2023 NBA draft, Tshiebwe signed a two-way contract with the Indiana Pacers, spending much of his time with their G League affiliate, the Indiana Mad Ants. [1] He later joined the Utah Jazz in 2024, continuing to split his time between the NBA and the Salt Lake City Stars of the NBA G League. [1]

In the 2025-2026 NBA season, Tshiebwe averaged 2.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game with the Jazz. [1] He has consistently demonstrated his rebounding prowess in the G League, averaging 17 points and 19 rebounds in 32 minutes per game with the Salt Lake City Stars. [1] He was named the NBA G League Rookie of the Year in 2024 and has been a two-time All-NBA G League First Team selection (2024, 2025) and a two-time NBA G League rebounding leader (2024, 2025). [1] He also won the NBA G League Winter Showcase Champion in 2025. [1]

In a recent display of his versatility, Tshiebwe scored 10 rebounds in 19 minutes off the bench for the Jazz against the Washington Wizards, following a remarkable performance with the Salt Lake City Stars where he recorded 37 points and 26 rebounds. [1]

Key Takeaways

• Oscar Tshiebwe’s journey is marked by a late start in basketball, beginning at age 15.
• His collegiate career was highly decorated, culminating in national player of the year honors in 2022.
• Despite facing challenges as an undrafted player, Tshiebwe has persevered and is making a significant impact in the NBA G League and with the Utah Jazz.
• His faith and dedication, instilled by his father, are central to his approach to the game and life.