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Sacramento Kings: Who Is Wenyen Gabriel?

By John Kelly

SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 11: Wenyen Gabriel #32 of the Sacramento Kings attempts a free-throw shot against the Utah Jazz on October 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 11: Wenyen Gabriel #32 of the Sacramento Kings attempts a free-throw shot against the Utah Jazz on October 11, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Wenyen Gabriel was one of the surprises on the Sacramento Kings final roster. Who is Gabriel and what does he bring to the table?

The Sacramento Kings will start this years campaign with a few additions to the roster. One surprise move was Wenyen Gabriel having his contract converted from a two-way contract to a regular one.  In the preseason, Gabriel averaged 4.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in twelve minutes per game.

Being passed over in the 2018 draft after playing two seasons at Kentucky encouraged Gabriel.  He earned a spot on the Stockton Kings roster last year, something that motivated him more than ever with an opportunity to work on his game. Wenyen knew that adding body strength was a must to have any chance to make an NBA roster.

The history of where he came from and what it took to get to the NBA.

Wenyen Gabriel was born in Sudan 21 years ago and stands 6’9″ while weighing 213 lbs. Wearing an NBA jersey is a far cry from his humble beginnings. Gabriel came to the United States at the age of three after having to flee the violence of Sudan’s civil war. Gabriel is now a proud South Sudanese-American.

His parents landed in Manchester, New Hampshire where Wenyen played for Massachusetts prep school Wilbraham & Monson Academy.  Needing to hone his skills, he played AAU summer ball for 2 years during high school before joining the Kentucky Wildcats in college.  It was at Kentucky where he met and played one season with current point guard De Aaron Fox, while also learning from legendary coach John Calipari for two college seasons.

What Does Gabriel Bring To The Team?

Gabriel hit 39% from beyond the arc during his last year in college, while adding 6.8 PPG and 5.4 RPG in limited minutes. While at Kentucky, his high energy on defense makes him a 3 and D threat down the road.

While taking his overall game up a notch last season in Stockton, it was the preseason performance that got him noticed. Gabriel has had games with double-digit rebounds and has a nose for the ball on offense and defense. He just needs to work hard and be ready, in case the Kings coaching staff calls his number. At the pace that he is progressing at, the Kings could have a “keeper” in Gabriel.

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