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Author
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Topic: Wenyen Gabriel Preview 2017-2018
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catmandoo
Player
Member # 1284
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posted 08-18-2017 02:49 PM
No player for UK will be more difficult to predict than Gabriel. There was so much to like about Gabriel in the chunks of the season. He would attack the rim, he ran his lane in transition, and had five games where he hit at least two three-pointers.
Gabriel doesn't have to be a great outside shooter but if he can be more consistent from deep it will only make things easier for him and his teammates. If his shot is improved it will likely lead to more playing time for Gabriel.
However, it wasn't just inconsistent offense that kept Gabriel on the bench. Gabriel would found himself getting lost on defense more and more as the season continued. Strength was never Gabriel's forte but UK did a good job as a team not letting him get pushed around too much on the block. But as the season progressed it wasn't about strength for Gabriel. It was poor on-the-ball defending and Gabriel getting lost in transition. That won't work for Calipari come March.
Gabriel has plenty of room to improve but that's what kids should do after a freshmen season. Things are often magnified at Kentucky but there's no reason to think Gabriel won't continue to develop. But things get interesting for Gabriel because of the additions in the class of 2017. Jarred Vanderbilt and P.J. Washington can play a three and four, like Gabriel. Tai Wynyard and Sacah Killeya-Jones returned and both can play the four. Hamidou Diallo and Kevin Knox, five-star incoming freshmen, can easily play the three.
Link
[ 08-18-2017, 03:05 PM: Message edited by: catmandoo ]
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http://www.ukfightsong.com/
Posts: 186362 | From: st. augustine florida 32092 | Registered: Mar 2001
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boomdaddy
Player
Member # 2644
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posted 08-19-2017 10:18 AM
I am no guru, but there is no reason not to think that Gabrielle won't be much better than last season.
Not sure if he will play himself into draft status or not after this season, but he should be much improved and I think the the fans will be glad that he is on the floor and not have that "please don't make mistakes" feeling when he is our there.
I think the media and the fans are sleeping on Sascha as well. So what if he wasn't ready, last season. The young man has a huge wing span and can be a force, when he comes into his own.
[ 08-19-2017, 10:18 AM: Message edited by: boomdaddy ]
Posts: 8791 | From: paris, ky | Registered: Mar 2006
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