photo by: Nick Krug

Kansas guard Lagerald Vick (2) dives for a ball during the second half, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Former KU guard Lagerald Vick may just be listed as an alternate for next week’s pre-draft NBA Combine, May 16-20 in Chicago, but that won’t keep the 6-foot-5 Memphis native from showcasing his skills for pro basketball talent evaluators this month.

According to a press release sent out on Tuesday, Vick has agreed to participate at the 2018 Professional Basketball Combine presented by Hfactor May 22 and 23 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

Much like its NBA-sanctioned counterpart, those who participate will have their accommodations and food expenses covered for the two nights they are there. In addition, the PBC sponsors will provide media training, a marketing consultation, a photo shoot, a branding workshop and access to IMG’s trainers and staff, weight room and training facilities during their stay.

The PBC web site touts the experience as an “opportunity to workout, do combine testing and interview for NBA GMs, NBA scouts, G-League personnel and overseas opportunities in what could be a life changing experience.”

According to the site, “A player may only attend the Professional Basketball Combine if they have entered their name into the 2018 NBA Draft or have given up their amateur status.”

As of Tuesday, Vick had not yet signed with an agent but still planned to do so.

As for the reason the PBC was founded in the first place? That, too, is spelled out clearly on the web site.

“We believe that elite athletes should have another avenue to showcase their abilities and increase marketability. Will we find the NBA’s next superstar? We hope so.”

Twenty-three participants who attended the combine in 2017 and four of them landed two-way contracts between the NBA and G League, 11 signed with G League teams and eight secured opportunities overseas.

“We are excited to welcome Lagerald to the 2018 PBC and look forward to seeing him compete in a few weeks,” the release read.

Beyond Vick, Jonathan Williams, of Gonzaga, and internationally famous Ball Brother, LiAngelo Ball, are the biggest names committed to this year’s PBC as of today.

Five of Vick’s former KU teammates — Devonte’ Graham, Svi Mykhailiuk, Malik Newman, Udoka Azubuike and Billy Preston — all are scheduled to participate in next week’s NBA combine in Chicago. All of them but Azubuike have exhausted their eligibility at Kansas.

The KU center, who will be a junior next season, should he return to school, has until May 30 to pull his name out of the draft.