CRAWFORD | Kentucky’s Tshiebwe hoping to stay calm, cool, and away from flagrant fouls in NCAA

Kentucky Wildcats freshman forward Kahlil Tshiebwe is looking to stay composed and avoid flagrant fouls as he gears up for his NCAA debut.

The 6-foot-9, 260-pound forward from Congo has become a fixture in the Wildcats’ rotation, playing in all 34 games and averaging 10.0 points and 7.9 rebounds. He was also named to the SEC All-Freshman Team.

Still, Tshiebwe’s size and physicality can be both a blessing and a curse. He has been prone to picking up fouls, and his four flagrant fouls—which result in an automatic ejection from the game—are a point of concern as Kentucky enters the NCAA Tournament.

Tshiebwe has acknowledged the need to remain composed during games and has taken steps to try and stay out of foul trouble.

“I just have to stay calm, cool and collected,” Tshiebwe said. “That’s something I’m trying to work on. I just have to stay focused and not let refs get to me, or anything like that.”

The Wildcats are hoping Tshiebwe can keep his emotions in check and make a positive impact on the game. Coach John Calipari believes he is better than his numbers show and that his best is yet to come.

“Kahlil is a special player,” Calipari said. “He’s got an incredible motor and a great attitude. He’s still learning how to play the game and how to use his size and strength to his advantage. But he’s got great potential and can be a game-changer for us.”

As Kentucky prepares for the NCAA Tournament, Tshiebwe is focused on remaining composed and avoiding flagrant fouls. He knows that if he can do that, his physicality and size can be an asset on the court.

“I have to stay disciplined and keep my emotions in check,” Tshiebwe said. “I need to stay in control and play my game. That’s what I’m trying to do.”

The Wildcats will be counting on Tshiebwe to stay cool, collected, and away from flagrant fouls as they look to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.