I keep seeing people stating “if Oscar returns,” I just can’t envision a scenario to where that’s plausible. He’s likely to be named NPOY and coming off a season where he averaged 17.5/15, I don‘t see how he could top that next season. He needs further development, though he’ll get that in the league.
I have been arguing on this board for weeks that Oscar is a late first round pick, as a rebounding specialist for a playoff team.
BUT...
With NIL that doesn't mean he won't return, it just makes it doubtful.
1) he seems to love it at UK and the college experience
2) with NIL we think he can take care of his mom and family
3) yes, you can develop in the league, BUT you must be close enough to contributing that they keep you around long enough to develop. I think he probably is close enough offensively, but I suppose that isn't a lock (is debatable). So maybe another year at UK gets him closer to that.
If Oscar returned, it would almost certainly be to improve his outside game, which is better than was at WVU. Much like Patterson did as a JR. As a result we would see him in the paint less on offense, resulting in fewer rebounds; which is ok but no one should expect a repeat of this season for him.