DraftExpress.com analyst on Derek Willis’ NBA stock

[UKBrassowTipIN]

Everyone knew Willis could play as Cal has alluded to. There was a thread almost after every game that he needed to play. All he needed was playing time without be jerked for making a mistake. He was forced into the lineup due to Skal not performing, ala, Harrison.

No, he wasn't being jerked for no reason..he was bring pulled bc of his laziness on defense at the time. Harrellson also had to earn his playing time, that entire story is pretty documented of how hard he worked after he saw no time his junior yr.

 

[chevyman 50]

All the same people who are saying Willis will not start next yr was saying the same ones last yr about him not playing this yr let alone starting , Willis back next yr will be a better player because of experience, freshman are freshman

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

He'll be back next year. Come on guys. I love Derrick, but the best he could do is get drafted late 2nd. He'll come back next season and be a major part of a great team and go somewhere in the early-mid 2nd round.

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

If Ulis leaves it'll be one of Willis or Gabriel who starts at the 3. You could go either way. The other will be the first guy off the bench and play starters mins.

 

[Mike-D]

Willis will start next year. Watch and see.

 

[Cats192]

Everyone knew Willis could play as Cal has alluded to. There was a thread almost after every game that he needed to play. All he needed was playing time without be jerked for making a mistake. He was forced into the lineup due to Skal not performing, ala, Harrison.

I can't begin to tell you how backwards this is. It wasn't owed to Willis to let him have extended PT. If that's the case, why not let Hawkins play more? Why not let Skal "play through it."
There are NBA folks that thought Skal was the #1-#2 pick.
They STILL think Skal Is a 1st rounder, and in some case a top 10 pick. Cal isn't just playing him in spite of 0 production. What makes you think he did it with Willis?

It makes perfect sense that Willis finally played well and earned more PT. But, you spin it to fit the narrative that YOU, in your infinite basketball wisdom called it. You're so smart you told everyone else.

But the reality is, you didn't. You wanted Willis to play. He is. Shut up and be happy.

 

[UKBrassowTipIN]

I can't begin to tell you how backwards this is. It wasn't owed to Willis to let him have extended PT. If that's the case, why not let Hawkins play more? Why not let Skal "play through it."
There are NBA folks that thought Skal was the #1-#2 pick.
They STILL think Skal Is a 1st rounder, and in some case a top 10 pick. Cal isn't just playing him in spite of 0 production. What makes you think he did it with Willis?

It makes perfect sense that Willis finally played well and earned more PT. But, you spin it to fit the narrative that YOU, in your infinite basketball wisdom called it. You're so smart you told everyone else.

But the reality is, you didn't. You wanted Willis to play. He is. Shut up and be happy.

This x's infinity. People are so dense they think that he should have been playing all along, not realizing if he was just gifted playing time at the start of the year he wouldn't even be as close as good as he is now.

 

[yoshukai]

I frankly don't see Willis having a long and storied NBA career. When/If someone is willing to drop some cash in his pocket to give it a go, he better take it.

Shocking

 

[uky8unc5]

It's funny, before the season started there were people saying that if Willis got major minutes, we were in serious trouble.

I didn't say it, but I sure as heck thought it. And I am oh so happy to admit I was WRONG.

 

[G-PIP]

Everyone knew Willis could play as Cal has alluded to. There was a thread almost after every game that he needed to play. All he needed was playing time without be jerked for making a mistake. He was forced into the lineup due to Skal not performing, ala, Harrison.

I think it would be better to say that those with the proper humility to understand what they don't know, thought Willis would eventually be able to play well. He wasn't hid on the bench, and forced to sit behind lesser players. He learned against tough competition in practice, got better, started putting in the effort that he wasn't before, and generally grew up a little bit. I'm proud of Willis and so glad he got to play at UK. He got just what he needed from Calipari; and he'll likely eventually make a nice sum of money for it.

 

[poppycat]

I don't think he's going to guard small forwards.

Do you see Gabriel better at SF defense? As the roster stands now, the other choice is Matthews. I don't see a 3G lineup that often next year.

 

[Aike]

Do you see Gabriel better at SF defense? As the roster stands now, the other choice is Matthews. I don't see a 3G lineup that often next year.

Yes.

 

[3kidsandme]

Willis has played really well. If he wants to play in the league he has to continue to get stronger and get a little jump hook in the lane. I would like to see Willis dive his man on occasion.

 

[kybassfan]

Shocking

What? I guess you are going to tell me I've demonized Willis? Just what the hell you think he is going to do?

 

[westerncat]

I think Willis will be back next year and will get a lot of playing time. He needs to do some things over the summer to improve is game.
1. Work on getting is shot off quicker. (Like the kid for OK.)
2. Work on his lateral quickness.
3. Get his body stronger.
I can see him playing in the NBA after school. Cal thinks he can. For those talking about Briscoe returning. There is some talk that some scouts like his game a lot and could be gone this year. I don't see it but I but I am not a scout for the NBA.

 

[yoshukai]

What? I guess you are going to tell me I've demonized Willis? Just what the hell you think he is going to do?

OK , I'm going to get personal now . I bet I could OUTFISH you ! lol

 

[ZenCatFan73]

It's scary that as good as Willis is doing, he may lose minutes next year. These dudes coming in are no joke.

 

[bbsanders]

Smdh, another fanboi. Kybassfan is gonna have to set this guy straight. Willis isn't that much better, everyone else is just that much worse. In case you missed, took care of it for you bassfan.

You are a d bag, boi

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

I frankly don't see Willis having a long and storied NBA career. When/If someone is willing to drop some cash in his pocket to give it a go, he better take it.

Well, Cal said it himself, but then, you know better, right?

 

[KyFord]

He's 6'9 and pretty athletic, shoots 91% from FT and 40% from 3, and also a good rebounder. That sounds like an NBA prospect to me.

He has been HUGE for this team and if I had a 2nd round pick in the Draft I would take Derek without hesitation.

 

[BBUK]

I'm nearly ignorant basketball-wise but comparing games I see of different players with his skill set, I still state he goes to the draft this season if he keeps up his current pace (paste) of play...

 

[poppycat]

Yes.

Take your word for it, I haven't seen Gabriel play. But as I said earlier, I expect to see a lot of pt for them together.........doesn't matter what you call them as long as the defense assignments match. Willis does a good job defending the 4 now...........Willis is not bigger, faster, or quicker now than he was 6 weeks ago........but is 10x better on defense today vs Jan 1...........Defense is a lot of attitude.......some Fr don't get it so quick.
I see Willis and Gabriel together because SKJ is not a known factor. A coach that I respect a lot tells me that SKJ is a 2/3 yr player similar to a Lee+. If so, .........well we will start 3 bigs somehow.

 

[Aike]

Take your word for it, I haven't seen Gabriel play. But as I said earlier, I expect to see a lot of pt for them together.........doesn't matter what you call them as long as the defense assignments match. Willis does a good job defending the 4 now...........Willis is not bigger, faster, or quicker now than he was 6 weeks ago........but is 10x better on defense today vs Jan 1...........Defense is a lot of attitude.......some Fr don't get it so quick.
I see Willis and Gabriel together because SKJ is not a known factor. A coach that I respect a lot tells me that SKJ is a 2/3 yr player similar to a Lee+. If so, .........well we will start 3 bigs somehow.

I think Willis is a decent team defender, but not good when left on an island.

When he's on the floor and we concentrate on pressure and transition, we are pretty good. He can shoot the gaps and make explosive plays.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Just what the hell you think he is going to do?

You might want to listen to Cal and what the draftexpress scout said. 6'9, can shoot, can rebound, decent athleticism. What else do you want? He isn't likely to be an NBA starter but a longterm journeyman off the bench is quite likely.

 

[HICATFAN]

Just a "gut" feeling, but I think he goes after this season....

AlohaCat

 

[drbubba]

It's funny, before the season started there were people saying that if Willis got major minutes, we were in serious trouble. Now we're talking about him being drafted. I certainly think he has the tools to. I knew he could shoot but like others, I've been surprised by his athleticism and quickness. He's had a few steal & coast-to-coast dunk plays this year that I didn't know he was capable of.

I'm just excited that he's in the NBA discussion!

 

[TruBluCatFan]

Not leave early...graduate transfer to another school where he can star. He will be the 4th option on UK...and that's even if nobody else stays.

Is he on pace to graduate in May? Really hadn't heard anything to suggest he was one way or the other. If not this is a moot point

 

[Bill - Shy Cat]

Everyone knew Willis could play as Cal has alluded to. There was a thread almost after every game that he needed to play. All he needed was playing time without be jerked for making a mistake. He was forced into the lineup due to Skal not performing, ala, Harrison.

Damn straight, Chuckinden! I remember that you stated this team would be better if Willis were given more minutes. I admit that I didn't see his full potential at the time.

 

[KA4Prez]

I don't know Willis' specifics, but it's very common that players can graduate in 3 years if they have been taking classes year round for 3 years. That's 4 summers they could potentially be taking classes plus 3 academic years. The typical student could graduate on this pace.

 

[bluinbville]

The NBA game is all about spacing now. The ability to shoot the ball from the three and create open driving lanes is what most teams are about now, especially with the success of the Warriors. Bigs who can stretch the floor are a hot commodity. That ability is making Patrick Patterson a rich man more so than his athletic gifts. It's all about creating a niche for yourself and then producing when called upon. It's kept Matt Bonner in the NBA a lot longer than I ever expected.

 

[kybassfan]

OK , I'm going to get personal now . I bet I could OUTFISH you ! lol

That would probably be a more productive use of your time than you artificially inflating Willis NBA chances. I'm getting old. Tough to spend 12 - 14 hours on the lake these days.

 

[sefus12]

That would probably be a more productive use of your time than you artificially inflating Willis NBA chances. I'm getting old. Tough to spend 12 - 14 hours on the lack these days.

What do you think Willis' chances are?

 

[UKBrassowTipIN]

You might want to listen to Cal and what the draftexpress scout said. 6'9, can shoot, can rebound, decent athleticism. What else do you want? He isn't likely to be an NBA starter but a longterm journeyman off the bench is quite likely.

Meh, doubt it. That's not a knock on him but again...Darius Miller couldn't make it and he's a way better player, only an inch shorter but still in the sf spot, as good as shooter, stronger, better off the dribble and better all around skills. Willis is more of a spot shooter right now. He will continue to get better, but still needs to work on alot of things..like not being in such a rush and squaring himself and continuing to work on his defense. I'm not sure he could defend someone face up at the next level.

 

[WildMoon]

Whether Willis starts or not depends on how much time he puts in.

Keep in mind, the guy he will be competing against at the 3 will be Gabriel, who everyone says has one of the craziest motor in HS game right now...

Either way, Willis will play decent minutes, so it won't matter.

 

[kybassfan]

What do you think Willis' chances are?

Based on where he is exactly now? Poor. I think he's got some skills gaps that have to be filled. For example, ball handling, if he's going to fill a three.

If he continues to improve, his chances may be better. Competition may be heavier too.

My point was that if he gets a chance, he better take it.

 

[Bungalow Bill]

Meh, doubt it. That's not a knock on him but again...Darius Miller couldn't make it and he's a way better player, only an inch shorter but still in the sf spot, as good as shooter, stronger, better off the dribble and better all around skills. Willis is more of a spot shooter right now. He will continue to get better, but still needs to work on alot of things..like not being in such a rush and squaring himself and continuing to work on his defense. I'm not sure he could defend someone face up at the next level.

Darius was not a WAY better player. He was 3 inches shorter at least. He was a tweener, not quick enough to guard 2s and not big enough to guard 3s. He was better off the dribble definitely but Willis is a year+ from being done with his college development as you stated. Willis' height AND shooting ability will make it easier to carve out a niche than Darius IMO.

 

[UKBrassowTipIN]

Darius was not a WAY better player. He was 3 inches shorter at least. He was a tweener, not quick enough to guard 2s and not big enough to guard 3s. He was better off the dribble definitely but Willis is a year+ from being done with his college development as you stated. Willis' height AND shooting ability will make it easier to carve out a niche than Darius IMO.

Miller is listed at 6'8. On pretty much any site...the info isn't hard to find. And your going to tell me a guy whos biggest deficiency, defense, will do better than Darius defensively bc you think he was a tweener..lol okay. There's more to basketball than shooting corner 3's. Miller was hands down better offensively all the way around.

 

[Bungalow Bill]

Miller is listed at 6'8. On pretty much any site...the info isn't hard to find. And your going to tell me a guy whos biggest deficiency, defense, will do better than Darius defensively bc you think he was a tweener..lol okay. There's more to basketball than shooting corner 3's. Miller was hands down better offensively all the way around.

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/darius-miller

6'6" w/o shoes, 6'7.5" in shoes. You're right it's easy to find. I simply said Willis' height + shooting will make it easier to carve out a niche in the NBA the way the league is now, not that he was better than Darius. Darius is not way better and he's not in the NBA. Would Darius beat Willis one on one? Absolutely. Can Willis find a place in the league where Darius couldn't, Possibly. There are all kinds of tall guys in the NBA that all they can do is shoot. Ryan Anderson ring a bell. You shouldn't try to lecture someone about what there is to basketball when I know plenty about BB and playing professional sports. LOL at yourself.

 

[crawfords corner]

Darius Miller combine stats, 6ft 6 without shoes. Since they don't play ball in just socks, he plays at 6ft 7.5in They measured him with a 6ft 9 wingspan, 8ft 6.5 standing reach, and 8.5 hand length and 8.7 hand width. He also weighed in at 233.4 pounds and 7.5% body fat.

 

[Montana81]

Willis has played really well. If he wants to play in the league he has to continue to get stronger and get a little jump hook in the lane. I would like to see Willis dive his man on occasion.

I agree with this. His ball skills are actually really good for 6'9. But I think he's just doing what Cal tells him to do. Hang out at the corner to stretch the floor and then crash the glass on both ends.

Hopefully his role continues to expand through the end of the season because I believe there's still some stuff in his Arsenal we haven't seen yet. Role definition is important though.