He wasn't invited to NBA Combine, but this UK player is getting most out of pre-draft process

As the deadline approaches for college basketball players entered in the NBA Draft to decide whether to turn pro or remain in college, Kentucky's Wenyen Gabriel is a busy man.

The sophomore from Sudan was not invited to last week's pre-draft Combine in Chicago like five of his UK teammates, but that doesn't mean Gabriel hasn't been seen by NBA teams.

During a pre-draft workout at Sacramento's facility on Monday, Gabriel said the Kings were his fifth NBA visit. The 6-foot-9 forward said he previously stopped in Oklahoma City, Utah, Milwaukee and Brooklyn.

The Kings have the No. 2 overall pick in the June 21 NBA Draft. Monday's pre-draft workout included five players in addition to Gabriel probably better suited to the team's second-round pick, No. 36 overall.

Gabriel was joined by Xavier guard Trevon Bluiett, West Virginia guard Jevon Carter, Nevada forward Caleb Martin, Tulane forward Cameron Reynolds and Santa Barbara guard Gabe Vincent.

"I think it went well," Gabriel said. "We got to compete a lot. We got up a lot of shots. I think it was really well organized."

Gabriel, who has until May 30 to decide whether to turn pro or return to Kentucky for his junior season, said the NBA workouts are invaluable.

"It's just been great," he said. "You get to compete against a bunch of different talent and evaluate and see where you're at. You see the things you need to work on. You get a lot of feedback."

Gabriel said he also enjoyed the one-on-one conversations with team officials at each of his stops.

"You get to know more about the program, and they get to know more about you."

Fox was Gabriel's teammate in 2016-17 at Kentucky. Gabriel said Fox's advice was to "go do your thing and you'll be all right."

Fox told Gabriel he enjoyed everything about Sacramento during his rookie season, including the fans, the weather, the facilities and the Kings' development program.

"It's just a great place and I love the energy around here," Gabriel said.

While Gabriel, who averaged 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game at Kentucky this past season, did not tip his hand Monday about his impending decision, he explained his current mentality in trying out for the NBA.

"Always have fun. Every day. It's all in how you think about it. You go in here with a positive mentality, having fun, play your heart out and everything else comes with it."

This story was originally published May 22, 2018 at 9:04 AM with the headline "He wasn't invited to NBA Combine, but this UK player is getting most out of pre-draft process."