Former University of Kentucky player Marquis Estill has joined the men's basketball coaching staff as an undergraduate assistant coach, John Calipari announced Thursday.

Estill, who is finishing his undergraduate degree at UK, will help out during practices, focusing particularly on the team's forwards.

"I'm really excited about joining the staff this season," the 6-foot-9 Estill said. "I'm very grateful that Coach Cal is giving me this opportunity. He is a great coach, and I look forward to working with him and this talented team."

Per NCAA rules, returning former players who are working toward their undergraduate degrees can be used as on-court staff. Estill will join a list of former Wildcats and former Calipari assistants and players who have returned to their schools to finish their degrees.

"It's great that we get to help guys like Marquis or Wayne (Turner) or Tony Delk or Scott Padgett — all guys who are members of our family — to get a start in coaching and help them pursue their goals," Calipari said.

Estill, a member of two Southeastern Conference title teams at Kentucky, finished his career with 936 points, despite playing only three seasons.

He was named second- team All-SEC as a junior in 2003, when he also earned SEC all-tournament and NCAA all-regional honors.

Estill, 30, played at Madison Central High School. He left UK after the 2003 season to enter the NBA Draft. He went undrafted but went on to play professionally in Europe.