Isaiah Briscoe works out for Sixers, discusses draft process and playing for Coach Cal

Former University of Kentucky standout Isaiah Briscoe has been one of the busier NBA Draft prospects so far with the NBA combine and four team workouts already under his belt.

Monday’s visit with the Philadelphia 76ers followed previous workouts with the New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets. And Briscoe, who played two seasons for John Calipari at UK, still has the Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and “others” on his schedule.

Briscoe did a one-on-one interview with Sixers.com after Monday’s workout. Here are some highlights:

On the draft process so far: “I think things are going well. I enjoyed my time at Kentucky, and now I’m on to the next chapter in my life with the NBA. And I’m just at a happy point right now. I can’t complain. Thank God for putting me in this position, and just have fun with it.”

On being on the cusp of playing in the NBA: “It’s exciting. As a kid, it’s something that I’ve always dreamed about. Now, I’ve worked hard and I’ve dedicated myself to turn it into a reality.”

On being named to Sports Illustrated’s “All-Glue Team” this past season: “Me being an older guy to those younger freshmen, and having the most experience, everybody came and looked at me for advice. … Me and coach just had a great relationship, so I think that I had no choice but to be a leader. But that’s also something that I’ve worked for and that I think I’ve earned.”

On his relationship with Coach Cal: “The first year he pushed me a lot. I’m talking about non-stop. And the second year, too. But I think the second year there was more understanding. I understood him more, so it wasn’t as much.”

On playing for Kentucky the past two years: “One thing it did teach me was how to play with other great players.”

The biggest thing you want to show these final 2 1/2 weeks leading up to the draft? “Just that I belong in the NBA.”

This story was originally published June 5, 2017 at 6:23 PM with the headline "Isaiah Briscoe works out for Sixers, discusses draft process and playing for Coach Cal."