D-Will's stock is rising
- Thread starter Orville Boggs
- Start date
Doubt it. But perhaps if he keeps up this progression after next year some team will take a flyer on him. The only way I see him as a first rounder is if he keeps his starting spot through next season and really blossoms as a scorer against tough competition. At this point he isn't assertive enough and can't really get his own shot. He needs to start taking the open shots whenever he gets it. Theres still 2-3 times a game that he passes up a wide open shot, that is another possible 6-9 more points a game.
Don't get me wrong, I really like Willis and I think in a few years time he can be a contributor on an NBA team. I just don't see him as a first rounder.
He is a 2nd rounder on potential. All he needed was a chance. Get that chance to garner some experience and with experience comes confidece. Every guy on our team can play ball that's why they are their.
If Willis was on another squad say at Penn St or wherever he would be a 20/10 guy. Maybe more.
I'm just happy Cal was forced to play him, just like Harrellson
If Willis was on another squad say at Penn St or wherever he would be a 20/10 guy. Maybe more.
I'm just happy Cal was forced to play him, just like Harrellson
Coast to Coast dunks.....hitting 4 threes in a row...and dropping double doubles like lint at 6'9 with hands like skillets ...might do the trick.
Seeing as how he's improved since his freshmen year it's clear he's a hard worker.
Tell me, if he was ripped now, but couldn't hit shots, would you still say "get a work ethic"?.
He had a 7'1 wing span too. He's got the length and skill to be a 3 at the next level and I agree he could get drafted first round off of upside now.
But he'd definitely have to improve on defense and get stronger to stick through multiple contracts.
One thing is certain: Willis stock has risen high enough that he is an indispensable star on this team.
exactly. Excellent post
When you consider he was nowhere near the draft boards - if he can make it to the 2nd round by next year that's an impressive feat.
No but he will get a chance to play for money after a strong senior season. But he has a chance to be a great college player.
I think we can all agree he has played well enough to make all of his previous haters shut their pie holes. I never get why any "fan" is so quick to talk so bad about players on our team. I have enjoyed the play of Willis greatly but even a little more because of so many that were so sure he sucked and was a wasted scholarship. MESSAGE to the idiots, it is ok for a kid at UK to take until their junior year to contribute and the two years it takes to get them ready is two years of being better than any of you arm chair quarterbacks will ever be.---here's' is to him continuing to improve and giving himself a chance to play for pay one day---indy
I have also loved to watch Willis work to be the player he is now. Even when his shot isn't falling, other teams have to make sure they have a big guy out guarding him to protect against the three. This opens the offense up for everyone else and makes it easier on all. I think that is why our offense has looked so much better the last four games. On top of that Willis is an outstanding passer and has a very high bball IQ. He also must have incredibly strong hands as he grabs more rebounds in traffic than anyone on our team by a lot.
There is one thing that has baffled me the past four game though. Why the hell won't Murray pass the ball to Willis? Multiple times he's been on a break with Willis and decide to take it himself as opposed to getting it to Wills for an easier shot. Last night Murray went 1-on-3 on a fast-break instead of passing to Willis, who was actually ahead of Murray on said break, who was in the corner for an open three. Even in the half-court Murray seems to only pass to Willis as a release valve when he gets into trouble. Who knows... just food for thought.
There is one thing that has baffled me the past four game though. Why the hell won't Murray pass the ball to Willis? Multiple times he's been on a break with Willis and decide to take it himself as opposed to getting it to Wills for an easier shot. Last night Murray went 1-on-3 on a fast-break instead of passing to Willis, who was actually ahead of Murray on said break, who was in the corner for an open three. Even in the half-court Murray seems to only pass to Willis as a release valve when he gets into trouble. Who knows... just food for thought.
This is what 4 star players are. Get them in the program, develop them for 2 years against nba level talent in practice, then watch thrm blossom as a jr and sr. But the media forces our players to be great from day one or they write them off. And unfortunately our fans fall right into behind them.
His shooting has really been amazing.
His shooting has really been amazing.
That coast to coastal dunk was pretty sweet last night. (I couldn't help but chuckle when his man blew by him for an easy layup on the ensuing possession though)
But one thing I never expected from him was to all of a sudden start rebounding like he is. He's hitting 3's at 42% and still hasn't missed a free throw all year.
It's funny. Before the year started there were some who said "if Derek Willis gets significant minutes this year, something has gone terribly wrong." Well it's partially because of one or 2 guys not performing as hoped, but it's also because he has vastly improved.
But one thing I never expected from him was to all of a sudden start rebounding like he is. He's hitting 3's at 42% and still hasn't missed a free throw all year.
It's funny. Before the year started there were some who said "if Derek Willis gets significant minutes this year, something has gone terribly wrong." Well it's partially because of one or 2 guys not performing as hoped, but it's also because he has vastly improved.
Cal was forced to play him? 
I am glad Derek decided he needed to play defense and rebound so Cal can play him.
I am glad Derek decided he needed to play defense and rebound so Cal can play him.
If they actually played defense in the NBA Willis might be a liability trying to keep up with players at the small forward position. So far he has not shown that he could even come close to defending the better power forwards in the league. However, none of that may matter since most teams don't care whether any defense is played so if he can continue his offensive development he has a real shot at making a roster. Being a first round pick is, I think totally out of the question. A second round pick? I have my doubts but miracles have been known to occur. A man his size with his ball handling skills could make it.
wondered the same thing, of course Murray doesn't pass very often to anyone. But I know what you're saying.
Let's slow the roll just a bit. Willis playing the 3 in the NBA means he has to guard guys like James, Durant, Ariza, Leonard......
Thats if hes a STARTER. He would be a rotational player and would likely be "guarding" the second team guys. It would still need to improve a lot though.
Since getting 12 rebounds against auburn he's averaging 12 pts & 10 boards in the last 4 games. Not too shabby.
He's actually pretty ripped right now. He lacks mass so it's likely a calorie intake problem. So....."get an appetite" maybe applys. More chicken, white rice, and steamed veggies for that man.
If he truly is an elite 3pt shooter with his length and very solid athleticism....it is very conceivable that NBA teams will have a roster spot for guys like that to play the SF/stretch 4 and open up the lanes for guards to drive/bigs to post while not being a defensive weakness on other end of floor. Guys like Ryan Anderson, Steve Novak, Kelly Olnyk, Channing Frye, etc.. basically serve those roles and make good money to do so.
I think the thing that really tell if Willis has a good NBA shot after his Sr year is put on more strength/weight, stroke the 3ball at over 40% clip again and maybe if he can be able to guard on perimeter better (guys tend to shoot right over him since he sags back so far). If he can do that again at UK...I don't see why he can't make a NBA roster.
I think the thing that really tell if Willis has a good NBA shot after his Sr year is put on more strength/weight, stroke the 3ball at over 40% clip again and maybe if he can be able to guard on perimeter better (guys tend to shoot right over him since he sags back so far). If he can do that again at UK...I don't see why he can't make a NBA roster.
A 6'9 guy who can hit threes and makes all his freethrows has a spot in the NBA. He will have to work on his strength, but that never hurt tayshaun. Willis can play the three well imo.
I know one thing. It will be a fierce competition between willis and gabriel over who starts next year. Its a great problem to have.
Similar threads
