Zachary Lyon:
Future150 Regional Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball: NC, SC & VA
Boston, MA (Future150) -- About a year ago around this time Wenyen Gabriel only had two offers to his name. Today he decided that he will be taking his talents to Big Blue Nation and will play for Coach Calipari for what could possibly be a very short college career.
Gabriel was one of the biggest names on the circuit this summer after showing so many improvements in his game. Once classed as a typical low-major four man, Gabriel showed off aspects of his game that no one had seen before. He was knocking down jump shots from all over the floor, slashing the lane, and just becoming that guy that every opposing team dreaded going up against.
"I think he is going to be a great fit for Kentucky," said Saul Phiri, one of Wenyen's teammates on Mass Rivals. "He is one of the most versatile players in the country. Wenyen is also just a great teammate and friend, he is always so humble and is always trying to encourage everyone around him."
Wenyen is the second player to commit to Kentucky in the 2016 class alongside PF Sacha Killeya-Jones (VA). On paper Gabriel may be listed as the same position as Killeya-Jones, but he will be able to play the three and the four easily at the next level. He also has the high motor, and rebounding abilities to play center if Calipari decides to play small-ball in certain situations.
"He's a great brother to me," said AAU teammate Wabissa Bede. "He's more than a teammate to me. I loved playing with him. Off the court he's a good dude too."
Gabriel had 23 offers to his name, but his recruitment seemingly came down to Duke, Kentucky, and Maryland. The staff at Kentucky made sure they let him know that he was a big priority in their 2016 plans.
"Kentucky is a good fit for him because the way they play defensively," said Bede. "Offensively, they showcase your talents, so everybody in the country will see what he can do as a wing player."
They visited him three times and also had him on campus during the month of September. Kentucky winning over a big time player, and fighting off multiple blue blood programs? I don't think anyone has heard of that before.
"I really think he's going to help out Kentucky, but then he again he would help out any team," said Phiri.
Continue to follow along with Future150.com as we track Kentucky's remaining targets in the 2016 class.
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