Please stop begging for Willis

[OHcatfan]

Those who call for him to play more are only embarrassing themselves and putting a target on the kid's back. Leave the kid alone and let him enjoy his college experience. He'll never do much at UK, regardless of the fact that he's from the state of Kentucky! Any team that Willis heavily contributes to has no chance of great success in college basketball. He is what he is! Stop expecting him to do more. It's not fair to him!

 

[KyFaninNC]

Willis is NOT the answer to our problems

 

[ulismyman]

You guys can spew that garbage all you want but i am not listening to it. I watch the games and know we are muvh better offensively when Willis is in the game. You guys wanna preach how he cant play defense...willis can give up 9 threes and let people take rebounds away from him and block his shot as well as anybody else. You wanna say Willis isn't the answer??? Maybe not...but an underachieving Poythress and Skal crtainly arent....willis cant do a damn thing sittin on that bench i do know that

 

[Deli owl]

Please stop,starting threads telling people what to do.......

 

[kybassfan]

You guys can spew that garbage all you want but i am not listening to it. I watch the games and know we are muvh better offensively when Willis is in the game. You guys wanna preach how he cant play defense...willis can give up 9 threes and let people take rebounds away from him and block his shot as well as anybody else. You wanna say Willis isn't the answer??? Maybe not...but an underachieving Poythress and Skal crtainly arent....willis cant do a damn thing sittin on that bench i do know that

So sayeth the Willis fanboi that is exploiting the loss.

I'm guessing Willis might find playing difficult with so many noses stuck up his butt. Fanboi enemas can be hazardous to your health.

 

[ulismyman]

Got nothing to do with noses stuck up his ass. We lost the game in the first half when we could't guard a wall and could not throw it in the ocean. As great as Murray was in 2nd half he was awful in the first . ULIS hit his first 4 shots then rately shot again. I am gonna give benefit of the doubt that Willis was hurt cuz there is not performance reason for him not to have played

 

[WallMashKyBall]

Yeah, Willis with this 5.6 points per game average and his less than 2 rebounds per game average would have made all the difference. I will say, as bad as he's shot the 3 in real games (he's a Blue/White game legend) he's actually now second on our team in 3 percentage at 32% which is above Tyler.

 

[Re2126]

I agree a team counting on heavy contributions from Willis in trouble.

With that said, and probably what Willis proponents are thinking, is if the team sucks at defense what does it matter if Willis is in? They suck on D with him riding the pine, they will suck on D when he's in.

Difference is the offense. He's another option, and one that will shoot. Not another passive, lets just toss it around, pass up open shots guy.

Crazy as it sounds, at this moment he offers more than Skal. Can't believe I just typed that haha.

 

[bnewt]

everyone harps about Willis' defense, but NO ONE on this squad can guard a fence post

Willis is much better on offense that Skal, or Poy or Matthews........he is at least a threat & can pass & handle the ball. He could not have shot any worse than everyone else yesterday & can at least shoot free throws
He is not a 5* but he could be solid if given a chance

 

[rolaid]

Since Willis was not projected a top ten pick coming out of High School...he gets pulled for any perceived wrong that Calapari can think of. Just imagine if he got Skals minutes this year. It's not like anybody on this team can guard anyone either. He is one of the most skilled guys we have and we simply play better with him in the game.

 

[kybassfan]

Got nothing to do with noses stuck up his ass. We lost the game in the first half when we could't guard a wall and could not throw it in the ocean. As great as Murray was in 2nd half he was awful in the first . ULIS hit his first 4 shots then rately shot again. I am gonna give benefit of the doubt that Willis was hurt cuz there is not performance reason for him not to have played

Whine whine whine. Life according to the fanboi.

 

[kybassfan]

Since Willis was not projected a top ten pick coming out of High School...he gets pulled for any perceived wrong that Calapari can think of. Just imagine if he got Skals minutes this year. It's not like anybody on this team can guard anyone either. He is one of the most skilled guys we have and we simply play better with him in the game.

Just curious. How could you possibly have any proof of what you just said? That is a load of crap.

 

[Mike_Edwards]

I don't think anyone is proclaiming Willis the answer or suggesting he would be THE difference maker, but after watching the effort and execution throughout 80% of the game yesterday I wouldn't mind Cal utilizing the ultimate motivator with a few of our regulars and giving a few others a little clock. The point being it could not have gotten any worse. Outside of Murray getting hot this is a 25 point blow out--indy

 

[ulismyman]

Do you watch the games??? Willis needs the minutes and latitude Skal and Poy get...he doesn't get that. Willis wasn't projected one and done so he doesn't get the rope...not rocket science

 

[Bluest Member]

Those who call for him to play more are only embarrassing themselves and putting a target on the kid's back. Leave the kid alone and let him enjoy his college experience. He'll never do much at UK, regardless of the fact that he's from the state of Kentucky! Any team that Willis heavily contributes to has no chance of great success in college basketball. He is what he is! Stop expecting him to do more. It's not fair to him!

Willis may not be the answer to all of the Teams problems,but he puts effort forth which is more than I can say about Skal Labaissaire (sp),personally I think Willis,Humphries,and when eligible Wynyard can conribute more than Skal is,Poythress disappears more than he should,He should be the Senior leader,but isn't.Lee is active,but like Skal still weak with the ball against stronger post players.Ohio State just was a bad matchup.

 

[CBBCrazy]

You guys can spew that garbage all you want but i am not listening to it. I watch the games and know we are muvh better offensively when Willis is in the game. You guys wanna preach how he cant play defense...willis can give up 9 threes and let people take rebounds away from him and block his shot as well as anybody else. You wanna say Willis isn't the answer??? Maybe not...but an underachieving Poythress and Skal crtainly arent....willis cant do a damn thing sittin on that bench i do know that

He makes mistakes, guess what so do the 5* players. He gives the team a boost when he comes in, if you guys can't see that, then you might want to take up tennis.

 

[Mike_Edwards]

Furthermore the bottom line is we are just not a very good basketball team right now. Fortunately for us it is December and there are not very many other teams this year with more potential. The question will be can they improve and realize their potential. I do know we need better effort and need guys willing to play their roles and work on their game. Time for the older guys to step up and lead and get these guys in the gym-indy

 

[Wall2Boogie]

The game was a little to fast paste for hump and Willis. Sure, willis might have hit a three or two but his man would of had 20. We don't know, but I'm sure Willis may of entered cals doghouse hence one of the few reasons he didn't play

 

[ulismyman]

Willis can play fast paste!!!! He runs the floor better than everybody but Lee

 

[Mike_Edwards]

If the play of some of he regulars in the first half yesterday did not constitute doghouse, there should not be a doghouse--indy

 

[bigc45157]

I agree a team counting on heavy contributions from Willis in trouble.

With that said, and probably what Willis proponents are thinking, is if the team sucks at defense what does it matter if Willis is in? They suck on D with him riding the pine, they will suck on D when he's in.

Difference is the offense. He's another option, and one that will shoot. Not another passive, lets just toss it around, pass up open shots guy.

Crazy as it sounds, at this moment he offers more than Skal. Can't believe I just typed that haha.

We're in trouble anyway. He's a 6'9 wing who can score, run the break, block the occasional shot, and keep teams honest with his shot.

I have no answer for his zero minute performance yesterday. At least let him spell at the 3 spot.

 

[ManitouDan]

We are in a heap of trouble if the bucks from Columbus are a " bad matchup " They suck ass. Back on topic -- The OP must have something against Willis personally or not understand what people are asking for with Derek Willis .. No he isn't going to lead us to title # 9 . He isn't going to average 15 a game . IMO the fan base isn't asking that he BE THE GUY .. just quit burying him on the pine while other guys are playing horrible basketball. Give him 6-8 minutes without the OBVIUOS short hook Cal has with him. Hell Skal wouldn't get 1 minute a half if Cal treated him like he does Hawk or DW .
We constantly have too many guys on the floor at the same time that cant shoot the ball. ( combos of Poy , Briscoe Skal ) Its not embarrassing that fans start asking for some offensive production . yeah I trust in Cal and don't want anyone else . But his stubbornness needs to take a backseat to the obvious right now . We are going to lose a bunch of games if he doesn't get this straightened out , and he better do it quick .

 

[rolaid]

The game was a little to fast paste for hump and Willis. Sure, willis might have hit a three or two but his man would of had 20. We don't know, but I'm sure Willis may of entered cals doghouse hence one of the few reasons he didn't play

Willis was injured..why do you say he can't play defense? You must not watch Poythress ole from the perimeter or Murray.

 

[Bluest Member]

Willis played pretty good against Arizona State,sure couldn't be any worse than Skal,my only complaint is Calipari for recruiting purposes caters to these guys like Skal who aren't giving the effort they should be.If he (Skal) leaves for the draft ,it would have been more benefit for the team to play Willis or Humphries.Skal obviously needs at least another year,but the way the NBA draft works these days ,who knows?

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

Those who call for him to play more are only embarrassing themselves and putting a target on the kid's back. Leave the kid alone and let him enjoy his college experience. He'll never do much at UK, regardless of the fact that he's from the state of Kentucky! Any team that Willis heavily contributes to has no chance of great success in college basketball. He is what he is! Stop expecting him to do more. It's not fair to him!

Well, let's see. First, he brings some great energy to the flor most of the time. If you extrapolate his stats to 40 minutes, he is 19pts 7.5rbs 100%ft 1.6ast 2.4stl 1.6to. So long as he isn't getting abused defensively, where is his glaring issue?

 

[Bluest Member]

We are in a heap of trouble if the bucks from Columbus are a " bad matchup " They suck ass. .

Didn't look like they sucked ass too much,they shot the ball out of their minds and their Big Men pushed UK's front Court around like ragdolls,records can be deceiving

 

[Derbyman32]

I have seen this posted but I don't think many have seen it. Cal said Willis was hurt yesterday and did not practice with the team and was held out for that reason. That answered the question I was asking during the game and makes his absence understandable.

 

[ManitouDan]

You are what record says you are ! They be 5-5 with some bad loses and are younger than us .

 

[ulismyman]

Well tomorrow morning my 2nd child is coming into this world and none of this will matter to me for a few days. But write it down...Willis doesnt play against Cards we lose plus will be no class by Cal

 

[Wall2Boogie]

Willis was injured..why do you say he can't play defense? You must not watch Poythress ole from the perimeter or Murray.

I didn't know that he was injured that being said, If he was healthy I don't think he would of had much of a contribution to the game much like the kiwi.

 

[kybassfan]

This has got to be a baiting thread or a posting to give the Willis fanboi' and Cal haters an opportunity to bash.

 

[Bluest Member]

You are what record says you are ! They be 5-5 with some bad loses and are younger than us .

Yes,that's the point,Ohio St is young,but has talent and length that gave UK problems,just because they dropped some early games does not mean they are terrible,just means it took time to get it together.
For the record I hate Buckeyes and Thad Matta,but they are not the bottom of the barrel in the Big Ten.I bet they finish near the top when it's all said and done.

 

[rolaid]

Face it Cal has a lot of pressure getting Skal in the lottery...if he doesn't it will be deemed a failure by Goodman Forde exc..

 

[bnewt]

Well, let's see. First, he brings some great energy to the flor most of the time. If you extrapolate his stats to 40 minutes, he is 19pts 7.5rbs 100%ft 1.6ast 2.4stl 1.6to. So long as he isn't getting abused defensively, where is his glaring issue?

It must be that Cal doesn't like his hair color or style......just kidding, the kid is at least a scoring THREAT unlike Lee, Skal, Poy or Briscoe

 

[ulismyman]

He is paid to win games for Ky....i dont give a damn if one player gets to the NBA...as long as they perform well here

 

[kybassfan]

Well tomorrow morning my 2nd child is coming into this world and none of this will matter to me for a few days. But write it down...Willis doesnt play against Cards we lose plus will be no class by Cal

Congratulations on the baby. I hope mom and child are both healthy and happy.

You are still full of crap about Willis.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

He is paid to win games for Ky....i dont give a damn if one player gets to the NBA...as long as they perform well here

You'll take heat for that, but in principle, I agree. This isn't a training ground for NBA prospects. This is UK. I want the kids to succeed and get to the NBA but I prefer a UK first approach instead of a draft day approach. Cal believes in trickle down economics is this area and it has served all of us pretty well, but there have been some glaring problems with it too. My greatest days are not draft days.

 

[Derbyman32]

I agree that draft days are not are greatest day but I also know that it is critical to have a good draft day to highlight Kentucky to the best prospects in the nation. I love top talent and unfortunately the best are going to be OAD and that is the part that sucks. The rule change that would help us the most would be 2 years in college but the NBA is not going for it. Cal has made the most of the situation and has made Ky the spotlight school and the gold standard for top talent. His record is the best in the country since he has been here but with our large and demanding fan base it still gains a ton of critics. I don't think anyone has figured out a better way to go about this though so I back Cal and have loved the excitement these teams bring each year.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Willis is not the answer, but having another contributor off the bench that can knock down a shot and grab a rebound would have really helped this team against tOSU.

He isn't a savior, but he is an important piece to this team. Anyone who says he needs to start and play 30+ minutes every game is crazy. Anyone who says he can't contribute is crazy as well. The truth lies somewhere in-between.

 

[kybassfan]

He is paid to win games for Ky....i dont give a damn if one player gets to the NBA...as long as they perform well here

That's a good recruiting pitch for kids. Your job is to win games for KY. Nobody here gives a damn whether you ever see the NBA.

Know what sort of players you get? The ones that don't give a damn about the NBA. Yer boi wouldn't even come to play here then.