Is Kentucky facing an overcrowded frontcourt? See what Calipari said.

Although PJ Washington, Jarred Vanderbilt and Wenyen Gabriel could return to Kentucky next season, Coach John Calipari dismissed the notion of overcrowding in the front court.

“No, we’re fine,” he said Friday at the NBA Combine. “We’re not overloaded with scholarships. We’ll be fine. We could add two or three guys, and be fine.”

While waiting for Washington, Vanderbilt and Gabriel to decide whether to stay in this year’s NBA Draft or return to UK, the program knows it has two big men set: Sophomore-to-be Nick Richards and incoming freshman E.J. Montgomery.

Washington, who had a double-double in his Combine game on Thursday, had said he was testing his value in the NBA this spring.

“I would say PJ really helped himself,” Calipari said of the Combine’s impact.

This means a more in-depth look at whether teams on the all-important border between the first and second rounds might take Washington.

“I’ve got to really follow up because he played well,” Calipari said. “So I’ve got to make sure he has an opportunity in the first round if that’s what he chooses to do.”

Calipari acknowledged that NBA teams might not be forthcoming about their draft plans. To combat possible fake news, he made a threat.

“That’s what I’m here for, to make sure,” Calipari said of the always indefinite projections. “Because if the NBA would lie to me, you know, you’re not coming in my gym. That’s just how it is.”

Teams that give an honest assessment have “carte blanche” in UK basketball’s facilities, Calipari said.

When asked about Vanderbilt choosing not to participate in the Combine, Calipari said he discussed the decision with the player. Vanderbilt was not physically ready to do the testing or play in the five-on-five games at the Combine, the UK coach said.

“He asked me what I thought about him not coming,” Calipari said, “and I said, ‘If you cannot do any of the stuff, I don’t see the reason (to participate).’”

Vanderbilt, who missed UK’s first 17 games and its last six games because of injury, has met with one or two teams, Calipari said.

As for Gabriel, Calipari said, “He’s worked out for some teams. One team told me, yes. The other team told me, no.”

Calipari said he planned to have dinner with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Hamidou Diallo and Washington on Friday night. Presumably, they would talk about future plans.

Calipari spoke highly of Gilgeous-Alexander, who is projected as a late-lottery pick.

“He’s going to be unique,” the UK coach said. “You’re talking about a player who can do both sides of the ball. And he’s only now beginning to do all the stuff he can do.

“And he makes game-winning shots. He’s not afraid. He’ll make game-winning free throws. He’s got a temperament. (The NBA’s) 80-some games. His stuff never changes. It’s always the same.”

Calipari pronounced as “important” Quade Green’s decision to play for Kentucky next season. “Good for him,” he said. “Good for us.”

With a cluster of reporters from New York gathered around Calipari, the conversation centered on the New York Knicks’ pick at No. 9. Speculation has Kevin Knox as a possible choice by the Knicks.

Calipari repeatedly emphasized that Knox was relatively young and would require patience from the team that selected him.

“There are some guys who would be 18 and have a beard,” Calipari said. “And then there’s some guys who reach for the ball and you go, ‘You don’t have hair under your arms.’ OK. He’s one of those.”

Knox will need time to develop, Calipari said. This prompted a question: New York and the Knicks are not known for patience. But Calipari said his friendship with Knicks General Manager Scott Perry convinced him that the franchise would be patient if Knox were the choice.

“I think with Scottie Perry, I think they know stuff hasn’t worked,” Calipari said. “‘We better be more patient. We better build.’ I’ve known Scott for years and years. He gets it. So I think (Knox) will be fine. If they go that route, he’ll be good.”

This story was originally published May 18, 2018 at 8:00 PM with the headline "Is Kentucky facing an overcrowded frontcourt? See what Calipari said.."