Oscar Tshwiebe is a low post presence but also once played Santa Claus for patients at a West Virginia children's hospital (West Virginia Athletics Photo)
Louisville native Anna Maria Tarullo, sports director at WOWK 13 News in Charleston, West Virginia, likes what Tsheibwe is going to bring to Kentucky.
“Tsheibwe is such a grab for Kentucky’s front court. Brings some much needed size and strength and overall physical presence in the post,” Tarullo, a life-time UK fan, said. “He had an immediate impact with WVU —and was Mr. Double-Double — almost averaged a double-double.
“I was pretty surprised at his sudden departure but I think it’s a big testament to his character that it doesn’t seem to be on bad terms — seems to still have the respect and well-wishes of (West Virginia coach Bob) Huggins and his teammates who seem like they will genuinely miss him.”
Tarullo says Tshweibe gives UK a definite “presence down low” but notes that his “levity off the court” is something West Virginia will miss as much as his on-cour presence.
“One of the more memorable moments I have of him in Mountaineer gear was in 2019 when the team visited a children’s hospital and Tshiebwe played Santa,” she said. “Tsheibwe is fun to watch and listen to — his accent is great.”
