Find out the make and exact model of the wheelset in question from your friend (and approximate year), then go to the "Clydesdales/Athenas" sub-forum and ask if any of them of similar height & weight have had any experience with that wheelset.

Don't be discouraged - spoke count is only one factor. In addition, there are certain qualities of the rim (like the rim depth & construction), as well as the type of spokes, etc.