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Kentucky Basketball: You’re Going To Love Wenyen Gabriel

By Maxwell Ogden

Mar 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari during the second half of game eight of the SEC tournament against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 85-59. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari during the second half of game eight of the SEC tournament against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 85-59. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /
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1. Defense

Defense isn’t glamorous or exciting, but it’s what wins championships in almost every sport. Teams need balance, yes, but those that can defend at an elite level are more likely to succeed than those that can’t.

According to Metz Camfield of CoachCal.com, Gabriel is ready to earn his stripes at Kentucky with his defensive tenacity.

"“I definitely take pride in it,” Gabriel said in an exclusive interview with CoachCal.com. “That’s how I earn my way onto the court. I kind of feel like that’s part of my identity when I’m on the court, when I play.” “Those (defensive) challenges are good,” Gabriel said. “I’ve done a lot of those in my career and it’s kind of like when that’s your job right there you take a lot of pride in that.” “I’m always ready for the challenge.”"

Who’s ready for some Kentucky basketball?

The last time Kentucky won a national championship, the team was flush with capable and willing defenders. Anthony Davis anchored the interior, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist led the perimeter, and everyone bought into the system.

John Calipari appears to have a crew of players who share a similar mentality in 2016-17.

Gabriel’s size, length, and athleticism permit him to block shots at a high and fearsome level. It also enables him to step out against perimeter players, switch off of the pick and roll, and crash the defensive glass.

In other words, Gabriel is just as versatile defensively as he is on offense.

must read: Offensive players who will shine for Kentucky football in 2016

Gabriel has a chance to be a special player. Kentucky basketball is the perfect program to help him do so.

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