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Charlotte Hornets to host Kentucky forward Wenyen Gabriel for pre-draft workout

By Jerry Stephens

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 11: Wenyen Gabriel #32 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates after making a three point shot against the Tennessee Volunteers during the Championship game of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 11, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 11: Wenyen Gabriel #32 of the Kentucky Wildcats celebrates after making a three point shot against the Tennessee Volunteers during the Championship game of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 11, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly set to work out former Kentucky forward Wenyen Gabriel.

According to Adam Zagoria of the New York Times and SportsNet New York, Wenyen Gabriel is scheduled to work out for the Charlotte Hornets ahead of the 2018 NBA Draft. Zagoria also mentioned that the former Kentucky forward will meet with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Detroit Pistons.

Gabriel has already worked out for the Toronto Raptors, the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Phoenix Suns, the Sacramento Kings, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Utah Jazz, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Brooklyn Nets. It’s clear that a number of teams are interested in getting a closer look at the 21-year old.

Wenyen is projected to be either a second-round pick or go undrafted in this year’s draft. The team workouts may be helping to improve his draft stock. NBADraft.net compares Gabriel to former NBA player Charlie Villanueva.

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The 6’9 forward played two years under John Calipari at the University of Kentucky. He appeared in 75 games for the Wildcats and made 30 starts. During his sophomore campaign, Wenyen put up 6.8 points per game, 5.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks while shooting 44.2% from the field, 39.6% from three and 62.5% from the free throw line.

He led the team in blocks and was fourth in rebounding.

Gabriel is a versatile player who can play both forward positions. Wenyen athleticism and motor make him an intriguing prospect but he still needs to improve on his shooting. Playing alongside elite-level players like Kevin Knox, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, PJ Washington and Hamidou Diallo, Gabriel was overshadowed.

At the next level, he may be able to showcase more of his skill set and abilities on both ends of the floor. He will get his chance to impress Mitch Kupchak and the Charlotte Hornets’ coaching staff at the pre-draft workout.

Wenyen was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and was named to the 2016 Jordan Brand Classic and the 2016 Nike Hoop Summit.

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Gabriel could be a second-round option for Charlotte who currently holds the 55th overall pick in the draft. Even if Wenyen goes undrafted, there is a good chance that he will be picked up by a team for summer league.

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