Cal quote seems directly @ Willis

[Stonewall12]

I can not wait for next years team.


With tonight's game if Murray was not hot in the first half we get beat. Cal is lucky he hit those early 3's.

 

[screwduke]

Or you blindly follow Cal and act like he is God.

Stop the nonsense please.

 

[Stonewall12]

I mean, I guess you could be right. Maybe, just maybe, I don't get it.

Luckily, I have you to guide me. I am blessed.

I don't need to guide you. Cal is who needs to be guided. But congrats on your blessing.

 

[WildmanWilson]

I watched the game and while I didn't stay glued to every play, I'm pretty sure just one or two people didn't give up all the scoring. I can print fingers at about everyone at some point.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

Bottom line, Skal and Matthews have regressed as the season has went on. Not a sign of great coaching what so ever. Willis is an Offensive player who has limits on defense, but he can score and shoot FT's, which is needed certainly needed down the stretch.
All these threads raving about Briscoe, who played well tonight, he is too hot headed, and is an embarassment at the FT line. If Ulis were to go down, this team would be a one and done NIT team.

Yeah, Cal's no good at all. We should fire him and find someone better to replace him. You will be left with a team full of Willis like players...and I can assure you the NIT years will follow that you claim we'd have this year. Poor guy is the 2nd best coach in UK history and hated by so many so called UK fans.

 

[Nubb16]

On 3 occasions Ulis was driven on and scored on plus he had 4 bad turnovers and a game changing stupid technical... No one would ever dare say a word about the golden boy...how about Murray on D...its ever bit as bad as Willis but again untouchable. Mulder gave up 2 straight lay ups. Amazing Cal never says a word about them.

Hm, I wonder why no one says a lot about Ulis and Murray..? Oh maybe because they are far and away our 2 best players and without them we would have about 3 wins on the season. That could be why.

 

[dave5164]

If you watched the Bama game and now tonight vs. Miss. St. there were many breakdowns on Defense by Willis. Willis has a decent shot and 3 point shot but is terrible on 'D'! Both in 1st and 2nd half when we had big leads esp. in 2nd when we are up 20 both Mulder and Willis where in there when the score would get cut quickly with lack of defense and only 'D' but both made Turnovers and missed important layups. We all know Derek comes and hits a couple of 3's but when your giving up double on defense where does that help! I also don't know where Matthews has been in last couple of weeks of play when coming in to play. That is what Coach Cal means if your going to score 6 and give up double on "D", turnovers, and missed layups. He is another Wiltjer that is a decent shooter and 3 point shooter but flat out can't play defense.

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

The complaints about DW's defense tonight are a little biased imo. The first long 3, I'm thinking who is that guy .. hadn't heard his name
even mentioned before that. Now maybe the scouting report showed the guy was a huge 3 point threat and Derek just didn't recognize who he had. The second one, he was up one him more, and the guy just made a good shot. It's not like he wasn't going to shoot over Dom who is a great defender. Finally, Derek forced him to put it on the floor and he made a crazy floater in the lane. IF Cal wants better defenders then recruit some more. Matthews is pretty good play him. The criticism of DW is over the top imo maybe because there is a group that hypes him a little too much.

I still don't mind when dw gets in the game. He can do some things despite his shortcomings defensively. But for sure I'm hoping we get Dom back soon. We need him .. yet it's a bit absurd to suggest he's going to be playing the 4.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

I can not wait for next years team.


With tonight's game if Murray was not hot in the first half we get beat. Cal is lucky he hit those early 3's.

Agreed on next year's team. Finally you state something logical.

 

[assistbyhawkins]

All I ask of Cal is that he treat every player the same. Willis is limited defensively, but honestly, the entire team is below average defensively. Skal is the worst defender Ive ever seen at UK, Lee fouls out 3 of 4 games, Ulis and Murray got scorched tonight on defense by Sword. All of our guards did, actually. MSU guards scored 60 of their 74 points, but people and Cal want to point at Willis as the problem?? Ok.

Willis is one of 3 guys on this team that can go off, get hot and score a bunch of points. But he doesnt play because of defense and gets singled out for his defense even though 90% of our team sucks defensively. Makes a lot of sense.

 

[Delk#00]

Holy crap, it seem like some of these folks on here are more of a fan for DW than Kentucky lol This message board is silly, even with games that we win by double digits its like we lost the game or something.

 

[Stonewall12]

During the LSU game cal took Willis out because of a mistimed rebound. He treats him differently than any other player.

When Willis comes in how about going zone at least a couple trips down the court.

Not all about offense people... Well cal is all about that he starts 2 players that are a offensive threat. Poythress Lee and Briscoe are non threats. That is why we get behind nearly every game. If it were not for Murray tonight we would of again.

 

[ManitouDan]

I can see where cal would very upset AFTER the game , but those comments at halftime and him going off like a damn crazed maniac because Newman hit a tough three on DW were uncalled for IMO .. I've stated it already . in the first half I was eating dinner and listening/watching . Willis got a block shot ... three ball... Willis Rebound three ball. all in about 90 seconds . Then Cal rags his ass like he played like a bum to the ESPN reporter . Now in half 2 his D was AWFUL. As was the teams . But I don't see why the extreme negatively at the half. Its like he doesn't like the kid .

 

[Stonewall12]

All I ask of Cal is that he treat every player the same. Willis is limited defensively, but honestly, the entire team is below average defensively. Skal is the worst defender Ive ever seen at UK, Lee fouls out 3 of 4 games, Ulis and Murray got scorched tonight on defense by Sword. All of our guards did, actually. MSU guards scored 60 of their 74 points, but people and Cal want to point at Willis as the problem?? Ok.

Willis is one of 3 guys on this team that can go off, get hot and score a bunch of points. But he doesnt play because of defense and gets singled out for his defense even though 90% of our team sucks defensively. Makes a lot of sense.

Great post. Glad I am not the only one who sees it.

 

[Stonewall12]

I can see where cal would very upset AFTER the game , but those comments at halftime and him going off like a damn crazed maniac because Newman hit a tough three on DW were uncalled for IMO .. I've stated it already . in the first half I was eating dinner and listening/watching . Willis got a block shot ... three ball... Willis Rebound three ball. all in about 90 seconds . Then Cal rags his ass like he played like a bum to the ESPN reporter . Now in half 2 his D was AWFUL. As was the teams . But I don't see why the extreme negatively at the half. Its like he doesn't like the kid .

100% true

I agree with all of this.

 

[CHAMPCAT11]

I can see where cal would very upset AFTER the game , but those comments at halftime and him going off like a damn crazed maniac because Newman hit a tough three on DW were uncalled for IMO .. I've stated it already . in the first half I was eating dinner and listening/watching . Willis got a block shot ... three ball... Willis Rebound three ball. all in about 90 seconds . Then Cal rags his ass like he played like a bum to the ESPN reporter . Now in half 2 his D was AWFUL. As was the teams . But I don't see why the extreme negatively at the half. Its like he doesn't like the kid .

Agree with this 100%

 

[UK90]

I think the OP's probably right. The "may look good when get a basket but give up too many on D" part just about perfectly described Willis tonight. He drilled two three pointers, but he was just HORRIBLE on the defensive end tonight, getting repeatedly burned or caught out of position the entire time he was in. Those words do seem to be aimed directly at Willis' performance tonight.

 

[LmdCat]

The guy scored 8 points on him. That is how many Willis scored. It was a wash. I am not counting the 3 at the end of the first half where Cal acted like a idiot on the sidelines and in the interview.

How about providing Lee and Poy's made points to allowed points ratio?

 

[spotter34]

Willis does have bad luck. The guy who hits those shots... Those were his first points of the game. BUT I am sure howland told the guy to go at Willis. Willis should of denied him the ball. Because once he catches it he will get beat. Willis is quick but when it comes to moving his feet playing defense, he is SLOW.

I agree. Willis does have bad luck. If a guy is in a shooting slump he'll come out of it if Willis is guarding him.

Willis is not a good defender and the team isn't dependent on his contributions but he needs to provide backup minutes like he has been. If he gets beat take him out like Cal has been. I don't understand why a player coming in off the bench for 12-15 minutes a game warrants so much discussion. I mean is Cal grooming him for a starting spot? Or are the fans expecting that? The answer to both is no. So keep playing him like he has been and if he gets better defensively play him a little more. I just don't understand the attention this topic gets after every game.

 

[MKGMVP]

That darn Cal, how dare him treat people differently, that never happens in any other walk of life. Willis is a horrific defender and quite honestly his effort level is as inconsistent as Poythress.

 

[Stonewall12]

He treats the kid different. No matter what good he does, the smallest mistake he gets taken out. Ucla he scored 9 points in 8 minutes and then barely plays the next game. I don't know what it is. Maybe he is trying to run him off. In order for Willis to play, he just about had to play a perfect game.


2nd half of the miss ST game, the points he gave up. He stayed in only because Lee had fouled out.

 

[8generationsblue]

Willis is mediocre period. Cal is the coach. You nor I have any say whatsoever in how he coaches or treats players. You don't like it, don't watch. They know what they signed up for, and if they don't like it, they can transfer.

As for Derek, try harder. Effort is something that can be seen. If he gets scored on while going balls out, I have complete respect for the effort. Don't stand five feet from the guy and put your hand up and call that defense.

 

[hoodro]

All I ask of Cal is that he treat every player the same

During the LSU game cal took Willis out because of a mistimed rebound. He treats him differently than any other player.

It doesn't work that way at this level. The better players get a longer leash because they do far more good than bad. It's been that way all throughout sports, across every type of sport, from middle school to the pros.

Also, Willis has no one to blame but himself. He should have thought about all this before he basically quit on his coaches and teammates last year. He completely gave up and mailed it in for the entire year. Doesn't matter who the coach is, that sort of stuff doesn't get you playing time.

 

[LmdCat]

cant wait until next year when willis wont play at all so this wont be an issue.

oh wait...then we will get all the "why isnt willis playing" threads...

No need to fear; Cal always has at least one player that he can bully. That shtick only works in college where you have kids that are mostly afraid to defend themselves. This is the very reason why UK never has to worry about Cal ever going to the NBA. Someone would have their hands around his throat as was done to PJ if he even considered similar behavior.

 

[assistbyhawkins]

. The better players get a longer leash because they do far more good than bad. .

If thats the case, then I hope Cal does not play Skal a single second the rest of the year. Skal does not do anything far more good than bad, except suck. Willis is a more productive player than skal on both ends of the court. Of course, thats not saying a whole lot.

 

[8generationsblue]

There is a lot of sarcasm and a real kind of anger over this, this is a dead serious question though, I played four years of varsity basketball and got my ass chewed, cussed, yelled at, a clipboard thrown toward a group of us on the bench. This is coaching. It's competitive. Is it no longer normal for a coach to be hard assed and competitive? When did everyone become so sensitive to tough coaching?

 

[brianpoe]

I don't need to guide you. Cal is who needs to be guided. But congrats on your blessing.

You seriously think you know better than Cal, ti's comical.

 

[Stonewall12]

There is a lot of sarcasm and a real kind of anger over this, this is a dead serious question though, I played four years of varsity basketball and got my ass chewed, cussed, yelled at, a clipboard thrown toward a group of us on the bench. This is coaching. It's competitive. Is it no longer normal for a coach to be hard assed and competitive? When did everyone become so sensitive to tough coaching?

That is Bobby knight style of coaching. Your coach cussed you out and threw a clipboard... Great
You can be a competitive coach without acting and looking like a jackass. Especially in high school. And I don't think this had anything to do with his topic. I have no issue with HARD coaching when it is fair.

 

[Stonewall12]

You seriously think you know better than Cal, ti's comical.

Ain't it!

 

[LmdCat]

All I ask of Cal is that he treat every player the same. Willis is limited defensively, but honestly, the entire team is below average defensively. Skal is the worst defender Ive ever seen at UK, Lee fouls out 3 of 4 games, Ulis and Murray got scorched tonight on defense by Sword. All of our guards did, actually. MSU guards scored 60 of their 74 points, but people and Cal want to point at Willis as the problem?? Ok.

Willis is one of 3 guys on this team that can go off, get hot and score a bunch of points. But he doesnt play because of defense and gets singled out for his defense even though 90% of our team sucks defensively. Makes a lot of sense.

A creative coach would come up with a defense that would allow one of his better shooters to get on the court during moments in the game when scoring is needed without the team being hurt to badly defensively. But not Cal, he would rather this team go to the NIT than to admit that this team might need to use a different approach defensively. Unfortunately, there are no shortage of University of "Coach Cal worshipers" that will support him all the way.

 

[brianpoe]

All I ask of Cal is that he treat every player the same. .

This isnt Jr Pro, not one team in America treats every kid the same.

 

[hoodro]

If thats the case, then I hope Cal does not play Skal a single second the rest of the year. Skal does not do anything far more good than bad, except suck. Willis is a more productive player than skal on both ends of the court. Of course, thats not saying a whole lot.

You haven't noticed that is exactly what is happening? Skal got his chance, he didn't contribute, and now he sits the majority of the game on the bench.

Skal is even losing minutes to Willis at the 5. You haven't noticed that Cal has been Willis there in spurts? The only reason Skal plays now is because someone has to back up Lee. If Humphries or Wynyard ever get to the point where they offer more than or just as much as Skal, then I'm sure they'll get some of those minutes as well.

 

[8generationsblue]

That is Bobby knight style of coaching. Your coach cussed you out and threw a clipboard... Great
You can be a competitive coach without acting and looking like a jackass. Especially in high school. And I don't think this had anything to do with his topic. I have no issue with HARD coaching when it is fair.

It came up because of the "Cal is unfair to Willis" statements which I took to mean Cal was being too hard on Willis. Coaching isn't parenting. We have no idea what happens in practice and off the court. Willis could be a total disrespectful ignorant ass and all we see is what happens on the court and hear Cal's statements. If Cal genuinely dislikes Derek, which I don't think to be the case, there has to be a reason.

 

[brianpoe]

How about providing Lee and Poy's made points to allowed points ratio?

Cal trashed them at half did you miss that?

The reporter brought up Willis, not Cal, why do you guys refuse to remember what happened?

 

[martinsm30]

No need to fear; Cal always has at least one player that he can bully. That shtick only works in college where you have kids that are mostly afraid to defend themselves. This is the very reason why UK never has to worry about Cal ever going to the NBA. Someone would have their hands around his throat as was done to PJ if he even considered similar behavior.

You feel that Cal is a bully because he doesn't play Willis as much as you think he should play and he called him out during half time, is that correct?

 

[LmdCat]

I agree. Willis does have bad luck. If a guy is in a shooting slump he'll come out of it if Willis is guarding him.

Willis is not a good defender and the team isn't dependent on his contributions but he needs to provide backup minutes like he has been. If he gets beat take him out like Cal has been. I don't understand why a player coming in off the bench for 12-15 minutes a game warrants so much discussion. I mean is Cal grooming him for a starting spot? Or are the fans expecting that? The answer to both is no. So keep playing him like he has been and if he gets better defensively play him a little more. I just don't understand the attention this topic gets after every game.

I don't understand why the player that only plays 12-15 minutes has to be the focal point of Cal's anger just because his star guard doesn't fight through a pick and gives up a first half ending three pointer.

 

[UK90]

When Willis comes in how about going zone at least a couple trips down the court.

For chrissakes, Cal's not gonna change his defensive system just to accommodate some reserve coming in off the bench.

If you like zones, you're a fan of the wrong team. Cal hates zones, always has, always will, and rarely ever uses them. He's as strict of a man to man disciple as there is in the college game, and he sure ain't gonna change that just to make things easier for Derek Willis.

 

[brianpoe]

No need to fear; Cal always has at least one player that he can bully. That shtick only works in college where you have kids that are mostly afraid to defend themselves. This is the very reason why UK never has to worry about Cal ever going to the NBA. Someone would have their hands around his throat as was done to PJ if he even considered similar behavior.

A creative coach would come up with a defense that would allow one of his better shooters to get on the court during moments in the game when scoring is needed without the team being hurt to badly defensively. But not Cal, he would rather this team go to the NIT than to admit that this team might need to use a different approach defensively. Unfortunately, there are no shortage of University of "Coach Cal worshipers" that will support him all the way.

It is so funny reading everyone of your posts about how Cal sucks for so many years now.

The fact is you will always have CutNets and other idiots to join you.

 

[Stonewall12]

You seriously think you know better than Cal, ti's comical.

Careful, I will call sandy bell.

 

[Stonewall12]

For chrissakes, Cal's not gonna change his defensive system just to accommodate some reserve coming in off the bench.

If you like zones, you're a fan of the wrong team. Cal hates zones, always has, always will, and rarely ever uses them. He's as strict of a man to man disciple as there is in the college game, and he sure as ain't gonna change that just to make things easier for Derek Willis.

I know cal is not a fan of zone much to his demise.