Giving Credit Where It's Due: Derek Willis Edition

[UK-chulo]

The kid has been impressive early. Will certainly play a role on this team. His improvement has been extremely noticeable. He doesn't seem to be a huge defensive liability anymore. I know we have played weak competition, but I like what I see. This next sentence might sound crazy but I'll give it a go. I honestly think it is a possibility that he could get drafted when his UK career is over.

You are right. He has looked great! ......against players 8" shorter than him.

If I were Willis reading this it would sting. I've been so unimpressive in my collegiate career that fans feel compelled to complement me when I do some things on the court against inferior competition. Would hit the pride hard.

So yeah folks feel like they are doing something good by commending an underachiever for doing basically nothing, when all they are doing is reminding the person how bad they are underachieving.

 

[kyboy1998]

You are right. He has looked great! ......against players 8" shorter than him.

If I were Willis reading this it would sting. I've been so unimpressive in my collegiate career that fans feel compelled to complement me when I do some things on the court against inferior competition. Would hit the pride hard.

So yeah folks feel like they are doing something good by commending an underachiever for doing basically nothing, when all they are doing is reminding the person how bad they are underachieving.

He has only had a chance to show himself at the HS level and earned his way into a roster spot with the Kentucky Wildcats. That's pretty good.

If you didn't notice he played pretty good in the exhibition/preseasons the previous two years.

Outside of that he didn't get much meaningful clock. He will also still be taller than most sf from here out.

In closing. Go F yourself. Neither you or I know how he would respond if given enough rope to play through a mistake.

 

[Stonewall12]

You are right. He has looked great! ......against players 8" shorter than him.

If I were Willis reading this it would sting. I've been so unimpressive in my collegiate career that fans feel compelled to complement me when I do some things on the court against inferior competition. Would hit the pride hard.

So yeah folks feel like they are doing something good by commending an underachiever for doing basically nothing, when all they are doing is reminding the person how bad they are underachieving.

What the hell are you talking about?

 

[UK-chulo]

He has only had a chance to show himself at the HS level and earned his way into a roster spot with the Kentucky Wildcats. That's pretty good.

If you didn't notice he played pretty good in the exhibitions preseasons the previous two years.

Outside of that he didn't get much meaningful clock. He will also still be taller than most sf.

In closing. Go F yourself. Neither you or I know how he would respond if given enough rope to play through a mistake.

I think Cal knows better than you or I, and he hasn't given him the minutes. That says it all.

I want the kid to break out. He has something to offer. I think his problem is between the ears, not his skill set.

 

[Stonewall12]

Willis played great in the Bahamas and got rewarded by sitting on the bench even though Lyles was hurt to start the season. Good to see him still played good AND getting rewarded for it.

 

[st-louie-blue]

I was pleasantly surprised at the play/improvement of Willis, Lee and Matthews last night. I really did not know much about Matthews but he looked good to me. I hope he sticks around for a few years.

 

[Hoskins91]

He's looked decent. Holding back until I see him defend against a legit team.

 

[poppycat]

You are right. He has looked great! ......against players 8" shorter than him.

What game did I miss, I thought our entire team played these two games against the same opponents . Willis just outplayed some others. He has earned his pt. As of now, Matthews and Hump will have to earn theirs. Not so sure that Briscoe is a given.
He and Matthews have great potential, but still have hs habits that must be broken. (Archie ball anyone?)

 

[Big Foot 275]

You are right. He has looked great! ......against players 8" shorter than him.

If I were Willis reading this it would sting. I've been so unimpressive in my collegiate career that fans feel compelled to complement me when I do some things on the court against inferior competition. Would hit the pride hard.

So yeah folks feel like they are doing something good by commending an underachiever for doing basically nothing, when all they are doing is reminding the person how bad they are underachieving.

You are right. He has looked great! ......against players 8" shorter than him.

If I were Willis reading this it would sting. I've been so unimpressive in my collegiate career that fans feel compelled to complement me when I do some things on the court against inferior competition. Would hit the pride hard.

So yeah folks feel like they are doing something good by commending an underachiever for doing basically nothing, when all they are doing is reminding the person how bad they are underachieving.

How did he look in the Bahamas against pro players that were as tall as him or taller? What a ridiculous take on his performance. I guess that means everybody else on the Cats sucked too
since they all played against that midget D-2 team.

 

[Hoskins91]

How did he look in the Bahamas against pro players that were as tall as him or taller? What a ridiculous take on his performance. I guess that means everybody else on the Cats sucked too
since they all played against that midget D-2 team.

Not nearly as well as you seem to think.

 

[Big Foot 275]

We will have to disagree on that.

 

[WildMoon]

How did he look in the Bahamas against pro players that were as tall as him or taller? What a ridiculous take on his performance. I guess that means everybody else on the Cats sucked too
since they all played against that midget D-2 team.

I'm not against you regards to how Willis performed. I think he looked good these two exhibition, and he has the physical ability to continue to progress.

However, bahamas...i didn't like how he played. He was either #2 or #3 TO on the team, and he didn't get the ball that often. He looked out of control.

Last two games, he seemed to have gotten rid of that TO issue and plays much better within himself. I like what i see form him right now.

 

[RipThru]

I don't think Cal has ever hinted that Willis couldn't play because he isn't good enough; his problem with DW was his effort and dedication. I think he is skilled enough to find a niche much like Cameron Mills, Scott Padgett.

 

[Cat Ballou]

Willis played well in the Bahamas. He impressed Jay Bilas for sure. Then he got buried on the bench and lost his motivation.

Hopefully he gets some play this year, because next year in particular he could be an important cog for us. A veteran player who can play the 3-4.

 

[TopCatCal]

Considering the way that Isaiah Briscoe shoots free-throws. I would like to see Willis take his spot in the starting lineup.The 5 I would like to see start are
Alex Poythress
Derrick Willis
Skal Labissiere
Jamal Murray
Tyler Ulis

 

[thecatsareback#8]

Considering the way that Isaiah Briscoe shoots free-throws. I would like to see Willis take his spot in the starting lineup.The 5 I would like to see start are
Alex Poythress
Derrick Willis
Skal Labissiere
Jamal Murray
Tyler Ulis

Surprised you haven't been contacted by UK's staff yet.

 

[Poetax]

I think Cal knows better than you or I, and he hasn't given him the minutes. That says it all.

I want the kid to break out. He has something to offer. I think his problem is between the ears, not his skill set.

i hate to tell you but you didn't sound like it.

 

[Stonewall12]

He's looked decent. Holding back until I see him defend against a legit team.

You going to say the same for Skal? The guy guarding him was 6'7.

 

[UK-chulo]

i hate to tell you but you didn't sound like it.

Maybe that's how it sounds on a message board or maybe it is how some choose to take it. I just get tired of folks championing for the kid. We all know Cal will never keep a player from playing if he helps Cal win games. If Willis has the skills and the determination he WILL get playing time.

It gets tiresome hearing how it is everyone's fault but Willis' that he isn't getting more playing time. "Cal is holding him back.""Cal benched him and he lost his confidence.""Willis looks amazing against inferior talent in preseason, he should be All-SEC.""Willis played great against a 'pro' team that was coasting on a paid vacation in the Bahamas, put his jersey in the rafters already."

Cal's legacy and millions of dollars ride on him winning and winning big. If Willis is a big-time player he will be playing in the big-time games. Cal would like nothing more that to lay claim to Willis' improbable development into an AA. If he has it in him, he'll be playing.

This not a knock on the kid, just tempering the efforts of the bannermen who are making him into something he isn't YET. He may get there. He has the size, skill, and athleticism to be special. There aren't many players around the country with that combination. But his mind/heart need to catch up for him to reach his potential.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

Willis has practiced for two yrs v the likes of Randle, Young, Stein, Lyles, Lee and the Twins.
He has played and performed well in practices v some of the best athletes in the world and according to reports has held his own.

The guy is 6'9, runs like a deer and shoots like a guard and can pass too.
Id almost guarantee 20 min a gm if he continues to perform.
Bullitt Co. Ky in da House!!!

 

[Poetax]

Maybe that's how it sounds on a message board or maybe it is how some choose to take it. I just get tired of folks championing for the kid. We all know Cal will never keep a player from playing if he helps Cal win games. If Willis has the skills and the determination he WILL get playing time.

It gets tiresome hearing how it is everyone's fault but Willis' that he isn't getting more playing time. "Cal is holding him back.""Cal benched him and he lost his confidence.""Willis looks amazing against inferior talent in preseason, he should be All-SEC.""Willis played great against a 'pro' team that was coasting on a paid vacation in the Bahamas, put his jersey in the rafters already."

Cal's legacy and millions of dollars ride on him winning and winning big. If Willis is a big-time player he will be playing in the big-time games. Cal would like nothing more that to lay claim to Willis' improbable development into an AA. If he has it in him, he'll be playing.

This not a knock on the kid, just tempering the efforts of the bannermen who are making him into something he isn't YET. He may get there. He has the size, skill, and athleticism to be special. There aren't many players around the country with that combination. But his mind/heart need to catch up for him to reach his potential.

Sorry but for someone who just wrote a 3 page essay explaining that you're not knocking the kid but you hate reading fans who are championing for him, it really sounds like you're knocking him.

 

[UK-chulo]

Sorry but for someone who just wrote a 3 page essay explaining that you're not knocking the kid but you hate reading fans who are championing for him, it really sounds like you're knocking him.

I'll make it short for you then.

He can be good, but he is not what some are pumping him up to be.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

I'll make it short for you then.

He can be good, but he is not what some are pumping him up to be.

We play Albany in 6 days. We play Duke in 10.
We will have a great idea of what Derek can do after the 17th.

I for one think he is for real.

 

[JWat_]

I'll admit, I never thought Willis would every play meaningful minutes at UK, and he has looked like he may be a rotation player thus far.

But some of you are really overblowing performances against teams that aren't even D1 level.

I'm going to wait and see how he plays against Albany before I concede that he may take some of Matthew's minutes.

 

[StubbornPenny]

I've never been one to overrate state talent. I trust my eyes, you either fit in or you don't. Willis looked to be playing with more confidence than he ever has here. His length is pesky on the press. His off the ball movement and spacing has improved a lot. Most players really come into their own around junior and senior year, and he looks to be one of those guys. I'm thinking 8 min this year, 15-20 next. He'll be a legit player.

 

[Poetax]

I'll make it short for you then.

He can be good, but he is not what some are pumping him up to be.

I agree but it doesn't bother me as bad as it does you. We will see soon enough how he does in the real games.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

8 minutes to me is too low.
Im thinking along the lines of 20.
We shall see.
Remember the 30 sec shot clock and the tighter rules will see more players winded and in foul trouble.

 

[poppycat]

I'll make it short for you then.

He can be good, but he is not what some are pumping him up to be.

Cucko...do you operate a "Wishy Washy" laundromat?

 

[Hoskins91]

You going to say the same for Skal? The guy guarding him was 6'7.

Skal has produced like a stud should against bad competition. Willis looks like he can possibly be a contributor, but his performance so far hasn't been enough to suggest he should be starting.

 

[brianpoe]

That pass was the best by a UK guy since that no-look, fast break pass by Ulis. Might even be better since it had to be thrown so exactly over distance and through opponents. (The KSt players weren't tall enough but I bet they're the fastest team we play all year.)

Can he play QB?

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

Willis = Bird?

 

[brianpoe]

You are right. He has looked great! ......against players 8" shorter than him.

If I were Willis reading this it would sting. I've been so unimpressive in my collegiate career that fans feel compelled to complement me when I do some things on the court against inferior competition. Would hit the pride hard.

So yeah folks feel like they are doing something good by commending an underachiever for doing basically nothing, when all they are doing is reminding the person how bad they are underachieving.

What an awful post, delete and try again?

 

[brianpoe]

Maybe that's how it sounds on a message board or maybe it is how some choose to take it. I just get tired of folks championing for the kid. We all know Cal will never keep a player from playing if he helps Cal win games. If Willis has the skills and the determination he WILL get playing time.

It gets tiresome hearing how it is everyone's fault but Willis' that he isn't getting more playing time. "Cal is holding him back.""Cal benched him and he lost his confidence.""Willis looks amazing against inferior talent in preseason, he should be All-SEC.""Willis played great against a 'pro' team that was coasting on a paid vacation in the Bahamas, put his jersey in the rafters already."

Cal's legacy and millions of dollars ride on him winning and winning big. If Willis is a big-time player he will be playing in the big-time games. Cal would like nothing more that to lay claim to Willis' improbable development into an AA. If he has it in him, he'll be playing.

This not a knock on the kid, just tempering the efforts of the bannermen who are making him into something he isn't YET. He may get there. He has the size, skill, and athleticism to be special. There aren't many players around the country with that combination. But his mind/heart need to catch up for him to reach his potential.

I can agree that Willis lack of playing time is on him he admitted it.

But even so, he still was not better than those ahead of him.

Your getting better...

 

[brianpoe]

I'll make it short for you then.

He can be good, but he is not what some are pumping him up to be.

Much better post, not sure people are claiming DW is an AA.

But he is playing much better and we as long long time fans can appreciate a lower ranked KY kid getting better in his time here.

We liked it with Darius and Liggins and Jorts too, used to be more than a couple each year would do this pre-Cal.

Have your opinion and respect others opinions... just my take.

 

[Big Foot 275]

Maybe that's how it sounds on a message board or maybe it is how some choose to take it. I just get tired of folks championing for the kid. We all know Cal will never keep a player from playing if he helps Cal win games. If Willis has the skills and the determination he WILL get playing time.

It gets tiresome hearing how it is everyone's fault but Willis' that he isn't getting more playing time. "Cal is holding him back.""Cal benched him and he lost his confidence.""Willis looks amazing against inferior talent in preseason, he should be All-SEC.""Willis played great against a 'pro' team that was coasting on a paid vacation in the Bahamas, put his jersey in the rafters already."

Cal's legacy and millions of dollars ride on him winning and winning big. If Willis is a big-time player he will be playing in the big-time games. Cal would like nothing more that to lay claim to Willis' improbable development into an AA. If he has it in him, he'll be playing.

This not a knock on the kid, just tempering the efforts of the bannermen who are making him into something he isn't YET. He may get there. He has the size, skill, and athleticism to be special. There aren't many players around the country with that combination. But his mind/heart need to catch up for him to reach his potential.

I'll make it short for you then.

He can be good, but he is not what some are pumping him up to be.

I am certainly not pumping him up to be anything more than a rotation player. I never said he would start or that he would suddenly be a super star. He is obviously playing with a different intensity and hopefully it will continue when the competition level goes up.
If Willis does end up being a solid rotation player maybe you will come back and admit he was better than you thought.

 

[Son_Of_Saul]

You are right. He has looked great! ......against players 8" shorter than him.

If I were Willis reading this it would sting. I've been so unimpressive in my collegiate career that fans feel compelled to complement me when I do some things on the court against inferior competition. Would hit the pride hard.

So yeah folks feel like they are doing something good by commending an underachiever for doing basically nothing, when all they are doing is reminding the person how bad they are underachieving.

Nope. I think it has to do more with playing behind Randle, Lyles, Poythress, Booker, Lee, Young, and WCS - all guys who played the 3 and 4 positions the last two years.

In case you forgot, five of them ended up being top 20 picks and all seven of them will play for pay before it's all said and done.

 

[Stonewall12]

Skal has produced like a stud should against bad competition. Willis looks like he can possibly be a contributor, but his performance so far hasn't been enough to suggest he should be starting.

And nobody said he should be.

 

[jrm693]

While I admit I am in the Willis camp, wanting him to play more, so a little biased......I can honestly say I don't believe we lose anything when he comes in the game.

 

[Hoskins91]

And nobody said he should be.

They're getting really excited for somebody who has yet to prove he's anything more than a cleanup guy.

 

[Stonewall12]

Wait two more weeks.