Earlier this season that question was laughable, but I don't know. With his shot and athleticism, he just might. He's rebounding well too. Only weak area is defense I think.
Does Willis ever play in the NBA?
- Thread starter SilentsAreGolden
- Start date
Idk on Willis. I feel he will get a shot but he would have to be money from 3 consistently to get strong looks.
Speak for yourself. I always knew he had potential, just needed confidence and time to develop. Add 10-20 pounds of good weight and he has a chance to play for money.
He'd also help himself immensely if he showed more ability to guard guys on the perimeter.
The NBA absolutely loves guys in the 6'7"-6'10" range who can hit 3's, but mainly if those guys also have some ability to defend multiple positions. And with the shooting, Willis needs to show that his range extends to the NBA line without a huge drop-off. That's not true for every good college 3 point shooter- probably the main reason that Doron Lamb only got a cup of coffee in the pros.
If Willis works hard to improve his game then yes. If he just shows that he can drive the ball at all then he's going to get drafted imo. But Willis admitted he isnt in love with the game a few weeks ago and it was his gf and dad who motivated him to play like he is now. But then again, I'm sure seeing the possible $$$ in front of him with the NBA...... that could be a huge motivator now too.
Not sure about NBA...but he is playing great right now for the team i care about
You have to be able to create your own shot in the nba and defend. Let's just be happy he's playing well for us and stop obsessing and building him to be some Bullitt county god.
In today's NBA, it's far, far less important that you be able to create your own shot. This isn't the iso-heavy league of the 80's and 90's.
And I get tired of the Willis obsession too, but when a guy becomes a starter at Cal's UK, it is ALWAYS a legit question whether he has an NBA future. I don't see anyone in this thread saying "yes, undoubtedly", so I don't see how simply asking the question and trying to answer it honestly are building him up.
The odds are still strongly against him, but the odds of him getting a look (meaning getting drafted- next year, not this year) aren't so ridiculously low now.
Lots of fans said he would never play at UK, the way he has been playing for sure can see him in the NBA..
I have been a Willis supporter and believed the team needed to get him on the floor. I think he has a chance to be an NBA player because he has at least one NBA level skill...3 point shooting. He also has a good handle for a 6-9 guy. I have been disappointed he hasn't put the ball on the floor and tried to create his own shot. Not sure if that's his issue or if Cal just wants him to be a spot up shooter. He doesn't have great lateral quickness, nor does he have the strength to keep strong NBA 4's from posting him up. But he does have good defensive anticipation and those exceptionally long arms which he uses to his advantage. He's turned into a decent rebounder.
I see him as a mid 2nd round pick and believe he has a better than average chance of being a role player in the league.
I see him as a mid 2nd round pick and believe he has a better than average chance of being a role player in the league.
If Cal didn't take every chance he gets to criticize Willis, I don't think you would have to ask the question. No matter how well some not all but some kids play, Cal will not miss a chance to deliver a blow. There is always something for him to say to belittle a great game from one of his non-chosen ones. Without Willis, UK loss total is probably double digits. If this is the best it gets for Willis, Cal should be helping him to enjoy it instead of always pissing on his parade.
Yes, but he needs to get stronger!!
If he works his ass off this off season and stays focused next season he can absolutely do it!!
If he works his ass off this off season and stays focused next season he can absolutely do it!!
I could see him getting drafted and scoring 3-7 points a game as a journeyman for a few years if he can consistently hit NBA 3's. If he washes out he could definitely make money overseas if he wants to.
This . After he has a stellar senior season he , IMO will be a mid 2nd round pick and play so NBA ball and I always thought he would . He has always been very talented but he needed confidence.
I think as long as he improves as much next year as he did this year, I'd say he has a shot. Hard to find 6'9" shooters.
He will get a shot. What he does with it is another story. Does he use the same passion he has recently? He
Definitely will get paid playing pro ball somewhere if not the nba.
I could be totally wrong but I think Willis is a family guy and I don't know if he will end up being a lifer in pros because of his demeanor. He always talks about his girlfriend and family. That's a good thing! But I think he might be the type to get homesick especially if he has to play overseas or dleague
Definitely will get paid playing pro ball somewhere if not the nba.
I could be totally wrong but I think Willis is a family guy and I don't know if he will end up being a lifer in pros because of his demeanor. He always talks about his girlfriend and family. That's a good thing! But I think he might be the type to get homesick especially if he has to play overseas or dleague
Right now Willis game is almost entirely that of a 6 - 9 guard which also is a set shooter. He doesn't seem to like a lot of pressure when shooting, but he did manage that little side step on a three against TN. He's gotta develop at least some game at the rim and, yes, he's gotta improve his defense. Right now he has more in common with Cameron Mills than he does with Tay Prince.
I'm wonder a bit about his resilience as well, given that he was pretty battle worn in the last game. Lot of games and the game is far rougher in the NBA. I worried about that with Prince too and he did ok.
In the past year, Willis went from a bench ornament to a solid college basketball player at the premier program in the country. Let's see what another year brings or maybe the gold ring comes around this year.
Funny thought hit me after posting. If we could do a mashup of Alex and Willis, we'd have one damn solid NBA player for sure
I'm wonder a bit about his resilience as well, given that he was pretty battle worn in the last game. Lot of games and the game is far rougher in the NBA. I worried about that with Prince too and he did ok.
In the past year, Willis went from a bench ornament to a solid college basketball player at the premier program in the country. Let's see what another year brings or maybe the gold ring comes around this year.
Funny thought hit me after posting. If we could do a mashup of Alex and Willis, we'd have one damn solid NBA player for sure
He can shoot.
He's 6'10" with long arms.
He'll be given every opportunity to try.
What he does with that will give you your answer.
He's 6'10" with long arms.
He'll be given every opportunity to try.
What he does with that will give you your answer.
Willis has to show at some point that he can attack the basket from the wing and create for himself or drop off an assist. To me that's the difference for him going from a Matt Bonner to a Chandler Parsons. That pump fake, side step, 3 he hit against UT should become a pump fake, attack the basket play. There was nobody between him and the basket after he made the pump fake. He was hot so I don't blame him for taking that 3 but he needs to show that he can do that at some point. That's the next progression he needs to make in his game.
I kind of agree - but then again, the improvement just this season has been pretty stellar; if he can continue his senior year he probably has a good shot to at least prove himself on a roster
If I had to bet one way or the other, I'd probably bet "no". But I think he certainly has a reasonable chance. I'd estimate it at 20-30%.
And I was one of the very few who have been saying for 2+ years that he would be a contributor before he left UK, with an outside chance at the NBA.
And I was one of the very few who have been saying for 2+ years that he would be a contributor before he left UK, with an outside chance at the NBA.
Play Willis as a PF with a ligit SF that has an outside shot. making Willis the 4th threat. Willis could be a "Jorts". Has enough speed, handles, and inside strength. (may need 15# by next year) I still wonder just how good he would be on the offensive board if he was inside instead of 20 ' away. If Briscoe could hit 35% from 3, this team would be #1 IMHO.
I think he has as much or more talent than Scott Padgett or Mark Pope and they both played in the NBA for a few years... I'm imagining that he will stay for next season but my worry is that his minutes will probably diminish next year
There is always room in the NBA for a big that can shoot the three. Hell yes he will be in the NBA. And he will thrive there, too.
I don't think he's physical enough for the NBA. And, after 3 years at UK he's added very little muscle, which makes me wonder if he either can...or simply isn't willing to put the work in. (Lee came in as a pogo-stick but has consistently added muscle and bulk to his frame. He'll never be Poythress, but he's had huge improvement.)
I think Willis could make a great living playing overseas. It's not the glamour of the NBA, but those guys still make a LOT of money for a 21-30 year old. Their game isn't as physical and he would seem to be better suited for their style of play.
A month ago, the talk was where he might transfer to for his senior season. Now, it's whether any of the new recruits will be able to take his starting spot. Happy for the kid.
I think Willis could make a great living playing overseas. It's not the glamour of the NBA, but those guys still make a LOT of money for a 21-30 year old. Their game isn't as physical and he would seem to be better suited for their style of play.
A month ago, the talk was where he might transfer to for his senior season. Now, it's whether any of the new recruits will be able to take his starting spot. Happy for the kid.
If he continues to hit 3's at the same rate he is now he'll still get plenty of playing regardless of who else is on the roster.. ie unproven ( but hopefully great) freshman
Hell if the russain dude for ku is a mock draft 1st rounder there is a place for Willis....and wasnt it the all mighty Bilas who said Willis was UK's best prospect last year during the combine?
Latest posts
-
Best Action Movie Star Run of the 80s/90s?- Latest: HeismaNole
-
-
-
-