What should Willis do after this season?

[maysvilleky]

I think he's earned what he's gotten this year, but what about next year? I don't know that he can replicate this year. With that said, should he stay? Should he transfer? Should he declare for the NBA draft (what would it hurt)?

I think he'd get a shot to play overseas no matter what happens next year, so I think he should stay. But maybe he would think that any hopes of the NBA would be if he shines somewhere next year.

Just wondering what others think? I guess it really depends on how the year ends for UK and him?

 

[vernoncoy]

I think he's earned what he's gotten this year, but what about next year? I don't know that he can replicate this year. With that said, should he stay? Should he transfer? Should he declare for the NBA draft (what would it hurt)?

I think he'd get a shot to play overseas no matter what happens next year, so I think he should stay. But maybe he would think that any hopes of the NBA would be if he shines somewhere next year.

Just wondering what others think? I guess it really depends on how the year ends for UK and him?

I am very selfish. I think he should stay and provide leadership for next years incoming class. That group would have a great chance of getting a NC which should be one of his (and our) priorities!!!!!

 

[AGEE11]

Get his ring size ready for the upcoming National Championship

 

[Graves51]

wait and see how this year ends, proud of what he has done so far and think if he continues to improve he could be a very valuable player next year. There could be more Skals coming in next year. Not knocking Skal, just saying talk is cheap.

 

[Smashcat]

I don't know that he can replicate this year.

Seems to me he will only get better knowing he can come back as a starter.

 

[Hoskins91]

Not really that concerned about it. Nice to have an extra body but he's hardly proven to be someone that would be very difficult to replace.

 

[Mike-D]

Come back and try to start.

 

[Willy4UK]

I think he's earned what he's gotten this year, but what about next year? I don't know that he can replicate this year. With that said, should he stay? Should he transfer? Should he declare for the NBA draft (what would it hurt)?

I think he'd get a shot to play overseas no matter what happens next year, so I think he should stay. But maybe he would think that any hopes of the NBA would be if he shines somewhere next year.

Just wondering what others think? I guess it really depends on how the year ends for UK and him?

If he keeps progressing at the rate he has been in the last few games, he can definitely play in NBA. My only issue is, does he even wanna play int he NBA? If his motivation has to come from his dad and girlfriend, then he's gonna have it tough motivating himself 82 games a year.

He's clearly a double'double guy.

 

[UKCatnNC]

Not really that concerned about it. Nice to have an extra body but he's hardly proven to be someone that would be very difficult to replace.

He's sure made a difference for this team. Go Cats!!

 

[fabcat]

Where would our 2012 team finished without Miller coming back and being the best 6th man in college basketball. Everyone loves these big time freshman classes, but when has an all freshman team won a championship? The answer is never. Would love to see him continue to improve this year, come back next year, be a leader, and contribute to our incoming class next year that is being labeled as Cal's best class ever.

 

[vernoncoy]

Not really that concerned about it. Nice to have an extra body but he's hardly proven to be someone that would be very difficult to replace.

True, but the intangible is senior leadership ala my man Darius Miller for the 2012 team!! That's why I would like to see him come back!

 

[fabcat]

Not really that concerned about it. Nice to have an extra body but he's hardly proven to be someone that would be very difficult to replace.

Same thing was said about Darius Miller as well. Without him we don't win it all in 2012.

 

[Hoskins91]

Same thing was said about Darius Miller as well. Without him we don't win it all in 2012.

Its not the same situation, at least not yet. Darius was a starter on two good teams before that season. Willis has played well for three games, on a team we're not even sure is that good yet.

 

[sefus12]

Seems there's still a portion of the fanbase that almost want the guy to transfer (looking at this and other threads). If he finishes the year as a starter/contributor, why the hell would any of us suggest that the guy should transfer?

 

[ukcatfaninsc]

Others beat me to it. He should end up being the Darius Miller of next year's team.

 

[throatpoker]

he'll be back with the same attitude as this year

“I just want to make [my dad] happy, I want to make people in the state of Kentucky happy, all the fans. That’s what I play for, or else I wouldn’t play this game anymore, honestly.”

 

[Bungalow Bill]

Not really that concerned about it. Nice to have an extra body but he's hardly proven to be someone that would be very difficult to replace.

That's exactly what he's proven. He has changed the team dynamic and opened up the floor on the offensive end while playing pretty good defense and boarding big time. Did you miss the last 3 games?

 

[stoneycat_20]

I don't know that he can replicate this year.

Seems to me he will only get better knowing he can come back as a starter.

He will not be starting next year...He dont want to work on his game or body...

 

[spotter34]

He should come back. His confidence has to be at an all-time high right now. If he can maintain the progress he's made and even raise it a little more the rest of the season then he'll be in the thick of those in contention for a starting sport next year. Nonetheless, he'll be a valuable player next season and will undoubtedly be in the rotation.

Most freshmen have a difficult time their first year of college, especially at the beginning. I have a hard time automatically penciling in a guy in a starting spot over a proven veteran at the same spot. I think it is beneficial to the team to have at least one veteran in the starting line-up.

 

[ganner918]

Whether he starts (maybe early, probably not most of the year) or not, I think there's playing time for him. Assuming all of Poy, Lee, and Skal are gone, he'd likely get minutes at both forward spots.

 

[willievic]

He probably would not be drafted by the NBA, so I think he will be back. Sure, I know we have some studs coming in next year, but they do not have the experience Willis does.
I believe Willis will take the attitude, "Starting is my job, and you sure in heck are not going to take it away from me without a fight." I realize he may not have the talent of some of the recruits coming in, but he has the experience, has been in battle, and hopefully has the heart and determination.

OLD STOLL FIELD GUY!

 

[Sithlyone]

I was thinking of this the other day. I want to see him finish his college career strong since he has started to apply himself and show progression this season. I don't want him to transfer and produce at another school I want him here producing. Think about it, if he wants to sit out a year and play for another school, he should just redshirt next year and play a key role the following year here, his hometown school, one that he has followed his entire life and in front of a fan base that he knows will support him far after his playing days are done.

If he plays his cards right, he could be a king here in KY and life will be grand. BBN truly supports their heros and no matter what he chooses to do with life after basketball he will find success here in KY.

I know Cal doesn't redshirt players, I know he doesn't recruit players to be here for 5 years, I don't need that thrown at me. However, unless he stays consistent the rest of the season and blows up during the tournament and the NBA draft combine he isn't jumping to the NBA this year. If he can't get on the floor next year, he should Redshirt here and play at his beloved school the next year. Because if he transfers he will need to sit out a year anyway and no matter the school he goes to he will not have the same type of support that he would get from BBN and UK.

There are worse things in life than staying in college for a fifth year. He could work on his body, improve his post moves against possibly the best class Cal has ever had, get a degree that will help him after basketball and enjoy life without the pressures of providing for yourself for an extra year.

Will this happen? I doubt it

 

[trinity45]

Where would our 2012 team finished without Miller coming back and being the best 6th man in college basketball. Everyone loves these big time freshman classes, but when has an all freshman team won a championship? The answer is never. Would love to see him continue to improve this year, come back next year, be a leader, and contribute to our incoming class next year that is being labeled as Cal's best class ever.

I completely agree, these highly touted freshmen classes are fine and you need new talent but without some vets I don't think Cal will win a NC depending on just freshmen. Plus until I see them play in college they are just hyped up high schoolers who may or may not be great college players, plus UK has been very lucky getting unselfish kids but again until they step on campus we don't know how they will react.

 

[wcc31]

I think he's earned what he's gotten this year, but what about next year? I don't know that he can replicate this year. With that said, should he stay? Should he transfer? Should he declare for the NBA draft (what would it hurt)?

I think he'd get a shot to play overseas no matter what happens next year, so I think he should stay. But maybe he would think that any hopes of the NBA would be if he shines somewhere next year.

Just wondering what others think? I guess it really depends on how the year ends for UK and him?

What? Good shot he's a senior starter on a national championship favorite.

 

[Ben101er]

Get his ring size ready for the upcoming National Championship

This is my reaction, too. I know that some may think that he and Lee might entertain the idea of transferring, but I think they should stay and be part of something special.

 

[bigbluedon]

Willis needs to quit drifting on his jump shot. When he goes up straight he usually makes them but he tends to drift one way or the other quite often. Shoot a set shot and it might be much better. Who knows. Work on this in practice and all summer.

 

[UKGrad93]

Next year Willis should:

• Do 2 chicks at the same time
• Get drunk
• Get his tats fixed
• Go to class
• Play ball
• Learn a foreign language

 

[kybassfan]

What he wants to?

 

[lwbb]

Derek Willis wants to make cats fans happy to me that is awesome

 

[chevyman 50]

You know about freshman, they do not always turn out the way they are hyped, , great chance Willis if not start next yr will get to play alot either way..

 

[yabbadabbadoo]

Not sure what you mean. He's an integral part of this team right now. Why would he be doing anything other than preparing to return and hopefully helping us repeat as national champions?

 

[Untouchables22]

Um......everybody including myself constantly laments on here the lack of pure shooter on the team. Willis is not a pure shooter but with a little bit of work he could be. Be the elite shooter for the team. No matter whether he starts or comes off the bench you can always use a dead-eye shooter on the team.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

He will not be starting next year...He dont want to work on his game or body...

Really? Are you around him 24/7? Do you know for sure he is not working on his game?
How do you explain him now starting for UK and avg. A near double double his last 3 gms.?

 

[St.PatterSoN-54-]

I'd like him to stay at UK. If not, he should go to Gonzaga and become an all-American.

 

[Teachable Moe]

After several years of new ranks of freshmen, it amazes me that people think talented high schoolers are superior to talented seniors in college.

And by "amazes" I mean "depresses the hell out of me."

 

[docholiday51]

Is this where we have gotten to,trying to figure out where people should go that don't need to go anywhere yet?

 

[Poetax]

I think he's earned what he's gotten this year, but what about next year? I don't know that he can replicate this year. With that said, should he stay? Should he transfer? Should he declare for the NBA draft (what would it hurt)?

I think he'd get a shot to play overseas no matter what happens next year, so I think he should stay. But maybe he would think that any hopes of the NBA would be if he shines somewhere next year.

Just wondering what others think? I guess it really depends on how the year ends for UK and him?

Honestly I think he may be even better. Even if all of our new guys turn out to be gangbusters I think Willis is the 6th man with plenty of playing time.

 

[UKDUNK]

It's wild how everyone buys into the hype and thinks every top 20 recruit will come in and dominate from day one. The recruiting analysts build up these guys because it gets more hits on their websites. As hyped as some of these guys were, there are only a handful of players in the 2015 class who are dominant.

If Willis can continue to play at the level he's played at the last three games, you can pencil him in as the starter at the four next year. If someone beats him out so be it, but he will play a MAJOR role regardless.

I agree with the poster above who stated that it seems like a number of folks on this board want him to transfer. I don't get it.

 

[ZenCatFan73]

I think he should come back. Besides his skills, we'll need his leadership and experience.

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

Bro. He's only going to get better. He should be even more comfortable and confident next season. He wont start but he could be one of the best 6th man in the SEC. If he can come off the bench next year and give us 6-8 points and shoot over 40% from 3 then look out. The thing is, he'll most likely have to play a lot of 3 next year. Unless Gabriel plays solely SF