The X-Man Cometh In The Person Of Derek Willis
- Thread starter preacher_tom
- Start date
Before he was inserted in the staring lineup, he was averaging 5 pts and 2 reb a game. Since then, he's averaging almost a double-double at 10.3 ppg and 9.3 rpg. That's a pretty healthy increase, and as long as Willis can remain a non-liability on defense, I don't see his production decreasing whatsoever. In fact, his production on rebounding as well as his ability to go after 50/50 balls and blocking shots may make him the x-factor we've needed all season to become an elite level team. All we need now is to quit going on so many cold shooting streaks (especially from 3pt range) and turning the ball over so much.
Willis' performance and production (and hence playing time) changed when he decided to play defense and rebound. That recent commitment got him playing time. Now he gets in the flow of the game. I agree that if he continues, we could be a different team. Not great, but certainly improved noticeably.
Good write up. Hopefully Willis can continue his good play, but as the writer says, neither he nor any of us know that for sure. Willis will have a bad game here and there going forward it's bound to happen. The key for him will be to not lose the confidence he has gained and back it up with a good performance. This team needs him to play at a high level, because as Cal says. He makes us a better basketball team.
His rebounding and shooting ability are what this team needed to turn the corner. I think the team will begin to roll now.
Murray and Ulis we supposed to knock down shots and keep the defense from packing it in, but they didn't hit the early. They are knocking them down as is Willis and it is opening up lanes for Ulis, Murray, or Briscoe to drive and score or dish.
We all know the sky is the limit for this team, and I think the hustle play of Willis is just what they needed to make that move.
Willis is this years tweak
Murray and Ulis we supposed to knock down shots and keep the defense from packing it in, but they didn't hit the early. They are knocking them down as is Willis and it is opening up lanes for Ulis, Murray, or Briscoe to drive and score or dish.
We all know the sky is the limit for this team, and I think the hustle play of Willis is just what they needed to make that move.
Willis is this years tweak
