** Oscar Tshiebwe: a first invitation with the DRC national team and the challenges to come **
Oscar Tshiebwe, an emblematic g-League player with the Salt Lake City Stars, has just been summoned for the first time with the national selection of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for Afrobasket Angola 2025. This event will not only mark an important stage in the career of the athlete, but also a key moment for the development of basketball in the DRC.
Born in Lubumbashi, Tshiebwe was able to win in the competitive world of basketball, especially with remarkable performances during the past season. He established records of the G-League, in particular by making 30 rebounds in a match against the Iowa Wolves, a feat that underlines his potential and his determination. Despite his achievements, he was selected in a “Two Way Contract”-a contract that allows players to evolve both in G-League and in NBA-with the Indiana Pacers, before joining Utah Jazz. This path, although infection for a player in his caliber, raises important questions about the recruitment process in professional leagues.
The non-selection of Oscar Tshiebwe during the Draft 2023 aroused many questions, not only on its value as a player, but also more broadly on the criteria that president of the NBA franchises. What can justify that convincing athletes, like Tshiebwe, are not retained? Is it the reflection of a team strategy, an undervaluation of African talent, or even the importance given to the experience and the commercial profile of the players? The answer could reside in a complex combination of these factors.
In his journey within the G-League, Tshiebwe recorded 673 points and 764 rebounds during 42 games, an impressive assessment which underlines his commitment and his potential. His first match with a double-double in the NBA, scoring 16 points and taking 13 rebounds against the New Orleans Pelicans, is another indicator of his ability to evolve at the highest level. These steps reinforce the importance of a nuanced perspective on the treatment of players, especially those from less favored contexts.
Oscar Tshiebwe’s summons with the DRC national team represents, on the one hand, recognition of its talent and, on the other hand, an invitation to consider the impact of sport on Congolese youth. In a country where basketball continues to grow in popularity, the success of its ambassadors on the international scene is crucial. This development can inspire young athletes and arouse increased interest in basketball, thus contributing to their personal and sporting development.
However, this opportunity must be accompanied by a reflection on the way in which institutional support can be improved. In terms of training, infrastructure and supervision, it is essential that the DRC strengthens its efforts to allow its young talents to flourish and perform at an international competitive level. The lessons learned from the successes and challenges encountered by players and Tshiebwe could shed light on sports leaders on the need for a more solid and structured framework to encourage the emergence of new talents.
In conclusion, Oscar Tshiebwe’s career is a reflection of a course rich in lessons and challenges. His first invitation represents a significant advance, both for him personally and for the national selection of the DRC. This also raises questions about the valuation of African talent in the big leagues. By focusing attention to its history, it is possible to feed a broader discussion on the future of basketball in the DRC, a sport which could, by its growth, offer new avenues of success for an entire generation. In this dynamic, unity, support and long -term vision will be essential elements to transform the potential into tangible success at the international level.