‘Really mind-blowing.’ Rebounding savant Tshiebwe also leads UK in steals. Why it matters.
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Men’s NCAA Tournament: Previewing Kentucky vs. Saint Peter’s
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Rebounding isn’t the only facet of the game where Oscar Tshiebwe has excelled this season in a remarkable way. Though not as celebrated, his ability to make steals also astounds.
“Really mind-blowing,” former Kentucky star Sam Bowie said.
Tshiebwe goes into Kentucky’s opening NCAA Tournament game against Saint Peter’s on Thursday as the team leader in steals with 58. That’s 18 more than the No. 2 player in steals, TyTy Washington. Though not unprecedented, it’s unusual for a big man to lead Kentucky — or any college team — in steals.
Since 1978, a center has led Kentucky in steals five times: Anthony Davis (2011-12), Nerlens Noel (2012-13) and Willie Cauley-Stein (2013-14 and 2014-15). Tshiebwe is listed as a forward, but he plays center (aka the “five” position).
Among the Southeastern Conference’s steals leaders in league play this season, eight of the top 10 were 6-foot-5 or shorter. Four were no taller than 6-foot. So, Tshiebwe, who is listed at 6-9, stood out.
Expanding the search for perspective nationally, the Division I leader in average steals per game is 5-9 guard Jacob Gilyard of Richmond (3.09 per game).
Tshiebwe, who ranks 86th in steals with an average of 1.76 per game, is the tallest player in the top 182.
The first player in the steals rankings taller than Tshiebwe could be playing against Kentucky on Saturday in a second-round game. It’s Murray State junior KJ Williams, who is listed at 6-10. He ranks No. 183 with an average of 1.5 steals per game.
The NCAA’s list of leaders in steals has 351 players. Only six are as tall as Tshiebwe.
Several factors are mentioned to explain why Tshiebwe makes steals at an exceptional rate.
Alabama Coach Nate Oats noted Tshiebwe’s long arms and good hands.
“I think that bodes well for rebounding and steals both . . . ,” Oats said.
The Alabama coach also cited speed. UK ranks Tshiebwe as the second-fastest player (behind Davion Mintz) in a three-quarter court sprint.
“He’s pretty quick for a ‘big,’” Oats said. “He’s not a 7-foot slow ‘big’ that your guards can just blow by . . . He’s able to stay in front of ‘bigs’ or guards.”
Kenny Walker, who led Kentucky in steals in the Final Four season of 1983-84, cited intangibles.
“It’s about positioning and anticipation of where the ball is trying to be delivered,” he said. “And quick hands and quick reactions.
“He’s quicker than you anticipate him being.”
When asked if anticipation of what the opponent is about to do can be taught, Walker said, “Coaches work on that with all players . . . But all players don’t have the same abilities. Oscar has a great combination of size, speed and quickness that allows him to do all these things.”
Another factor to consider when thinking of Tshiebwe’s steals is how basketball has changed. For decades, half-court offenses revolved around getting the ball into the big man in the low post. So, the defender would be near the ball more, thus theoretically creating more opportunities for steals.
Tshiebwe’s steals come at a time when half-court offenses are spread out and “bigs” tend to recoil at the thought of posting up.
Of Tshiebwe being a steals leader in 2021-22, Mississippi State Coach Ben Howland said, “It’s very unusual. But it just tells you about his activity and how active he is. . . . It tells you how he’s helping defensively, and he’s coming over to attack penetration.”
Now former LSU Coach Will Wade noted the help a disruptive perimeter defender like Sahvir Wheeler can provide. “Wheeler’s eating them up so much (on the perimeter),” Wade said.
Bowie said that Tshiebwe is agile and athletic enough not to be confined to defending — and making steals – in the post area.
“There’s no longer what they call a ‘true five-man,’” Bowie said. “I think this kid gets steals 15 (to) 18 feet from the paint. He’s just relentless.”
Walker suggested that athleticism, strength and speed alone do not explain Tshiebwe’s extraordinary ability to make steals.
“Let’s give him credit for being a good student of the game,” Walker said. “I think he pays attention to the scouting report. I think he understands from watching (film) whoever he’s guarding, where they’re going to be on the floor. He knows where they’re going to be receiving the ball.”
Then there’s effort. Bowie called Tshiebwe “relentless.” Walker echoed that thought.
“It seems like he’s playing each play like it’s the last play of the game,” Walker said.
When asked what it said that a big man like Tshiebwe would be leading his team in steals, SEC Network analyst Daymeon Fishback summed it up succinctly by saying, “it says he is a winner.”
Kentucky’s steal leaders
Oscar Tshiebwe leads Kentucky with 58 steals this season. Here is a list of players with the most steals in a season in UK history:
1. Rajon Rondo 87
2. Wayne Turner 79
3. Rodrick Rhodes 76
4. Cliff Hawkins 74
5. Rajon Rondo 69
5. Kyle Macy 69
7. Anthony Epps 68
8. Tony Delk 67
9. John Wall 66
9. Jared Prickett 66
9. Ron Mercer 66
Thursday
No. 2 seed Kentucky vs. No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s
What: NCAA Tournament round-of-64 East Regional game
When: 7:10 p.m.
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis
TV: CBS-27
Radio: WLAP-AM 630, WBUL-FM 98.1
Records: Kentucky 26-7, Saint Peter’s 19-11
Series: First meeting
This story was originally published March 16, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
