Willis as a Pro?

[cal=8]

If and I do say if Willis keeps putting up #'s like he did last night (18 and 12 with a couple blocks) does he become a lottery pick? I mean we're talking about a fairly athletic 6'9 wing that can see the floor, feed the post, very good passer, shoots the 3 well and runs the floor. At that point (if this continues) I would have to ask who would be a better Pro Willis or Murray? I'm just asking the question here guys, what is Willis' ceiling.. It's starting to look pretty high.. Remember Cal said Willis will have a long career in the NBA. Now that was going back to his freshman year when Cal made that statement. Whatever happens one things for sure, we've become a much better team because of his play.. What say you?

 

[Bungalow Bill]

I've never seen anybody go from unnoticed to a lottery pick in half a season so I would say not a chance, but he is playing well and can definitely make money balling with a strong senior season.

 

[cal=8]

How bout Frank Kaminsky, correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't he a pretty average player until his senior year?

 

[Bungalow Bill]

How bout Frank Kaminsky, correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't he a pretty average player until his senior year?

No, he was already getting lots of attention during his jr year.

 

[stoneycat_20]

KU will tell a lot..

 

[cal=8]

No, he was already getting lots of attention during his jr year.

Yeah, he was a pretty good player by Jr. Year
Points Rebounds
Fr. 1.8 1.4
So. 4.2 1.8
Jr. 13.9 6.3
Sr, 18.8 8.2

 

[jrpross]

If (and that's a big IF) he keeps playin like he is and improving over next year, I could see him finding a job in the NBA but I'm HIGHLY doubtful he ever becomes a lottery pick.

 

[cal=8]

KU will tell a lot..

Yep, its one thing to shine against Mizzu and another on the road at Kansas.. He'll be a main focus on their scouting report.. Can't wait for that game!!

 

[Bkocats]

If (and that's a big IF) he keeps playin like he is and improving over next year, I could see him finding a job in the NBA but I'm HIGHLY doubtful he ever becomes a lottery pick.

this
And that's not to disparage Willis at all; he has a great shot at the NBA if he does continue to improve and work hard. But you figure who will be ahead of him in the 2017 draft; no way he can go lottery. MIGHT be able to play his way into first round, but that's pretty doubtful as well

 

[cal=8]

If (and that's a big IF) he keeps playin like he is and improving over next year, I could see him finding a job in the NBA but I'm HIGHLY doubtful he ever becomes a lottery pick.

I hear ya, but if he can average a double double he'd have a chance.. Depending on who else is available.. If we get to the Final 4 this year and he's playing like he did last night? I dunno, it's an awfully weak draft this year. It would be awesome to see and Great for recruiting..

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

I made the Larry Bird comparison mths ago and was promptly rediculed to scorn.
I stand by that comparison.
Im not ashamed.

 

[wobycat]

You should be ashamed. Bird was awesome. Let's go Scott Padgett.

 

[cal=8]

this
And that's not to disparage Willis at all; he has a great shot at the NBA if he does continue to improve and work hard. But you figure who will be ahead of him in the 2017 draft; no way he can go lottery. MIGHT be able to play his way into first round, but that's pretty doubtful as well

If he keeps playing like he did last night he'll easily be a 1st rounder.. Again, I'm just having some fun here with Willis' success. However, when your 6'9 and can shoot like that plus grab 10-12 rebounds per game? Those type stats will get you a 1st round draft and maybe (and I stress maybe) dare I say a lottery pick..

 

[Bungalow Bill]

I made the Larry Bird comoarison mths ago and was promptly rediculed to scorn.
I stand by that comparison.
Im not ashamed.

LOL. You should be. Bird was one of the greatest BB players ever. Willis is playing well in college.

 

[hoodro]

Lottery pick? Doubtful, but it's not hard to see him possibly find a role in the NBA. Better pro than Murray? Very doubtful. Some of you are really sleeping on how good Jamal Murray actually is.

Not sure what some of you are seeing that I'm not or why Murray's talents are being so underappreciated by some on this board, but the kid is damn good.

 

[UKBrassowTipIN]

No. Put it this way, if someone said we will let you pick one player to put on your team right now...Darius Miller or Willis. The answer is no question Miller. He got drafted, but he wasn't good enough to stay in the league. Willis can probably play in a lower euro league, but definately not the NBA. His defense, even tho improved, could stop absolutely no on the league.

 

[bluelifer]

I made the Larry Bird comparison mths ago and was promptly rediculed to scorn.
I stand by that comparison.
Im not ashamed.

This is an all-timer.

 

[cal=8]

Lottery pick? Doubtful, but it's not hard to see him possibly find a role in the NBA. Better pro than Murray? Very doubtful. Some of you are really sleeping on how good Jamal Murray actually is.

Not sure what some of you are seeing that I'm not or why Murray's talents are being so underappreciated by some on this board, but the kid is damn good.

Definitely think Murray is Great.. He rebounds so well for his size, he's very crafty shoots pretty well and is really starting to play with poise.. Solid lottery pick..

 

[Bungalow Bill]

No. Put it this way, if someone said we will let you pick one player to put on your team right now...Darius Miller or Willis. The answer is no question Miller. He got drafted, but he wasn't good enough to stay in the league. Willis can probably play in a lower euro league, but definately not the NBA. His defense, even tho improved, could stop absolutely no on the league.

In bourbon terms Willis still has a year and a half in the barrel before maturation so it's to soon to say where he can play and the answer to your question about Miller and Willis is still with the jury.

 

[cal=8]

No. Put it this way, if someone said we will let you pick one player to put on your team right now...Darius Miller or Willis. The answer is no question Miller. He got drafted, but he wasn't good enough to stay in the league. Willis can probably play in a lower euro league, but definately not the NBA. His defense, even tho improved, could stop absolutely no on the league.

Yea, the senior Miller was a very good player but he played a lot more than Willis at that point.. We're looking at a kid that might have played a total of 15 mins Pryor to this year which is the point of this post.. How good is Willis gonna get.. He's starting to look pretty damn good to me..

 

[cal=8]

I made the Larry Bird comparison mths ago and was promptly rediculed to scorn.
I stand by that comparison.
Im not ashamed.

LOL.. He'll have to REALLY improve his mid range game.. I love your enthusiasm though!

 

[JohnnyGentle]

Not sure what some of you are seeing that I'm not or why Murray's talents are being so underappreciated by some on this board, but the kid is damn good.

slightly undersized, under-athletic 2 who is a good, not great, shooter

 

[DwayneMeighan]

slightly undersized, under-athletic 2 who is a good, not great, shooter

Who has a knack for scoring bunches and bunches of points. Guess you'll finally realize how good he really is in three - four years when he's dropping 30 - 40 point games.

 

[cal=8]

Hey friends, I just figured hey, if someone can start a thread asking if Floreal could get drafted then I'd go ahead and ask if Willis could be a lottery pick! lol.. Truth is it's too early to tell what Willis can achieve but 18 and 12 in 25 minutes is pretty promising.. The fact is Willis probably wont be a lottery pick but he could. He's improved so quickly one has to wonder how far he can take it.. I've said all along though, the kid can play and he's starting to prove it..

 

[2Dope15]

Right now he is getting a lot of open looks. Once better teams start to key on him we will see. He really hasn't shown he can create his own shot yet. He gets most of his points from screens or picks and gets open 3's. I am glad as hell he is finally playing great and getting a lot of PT and the start. The hopes for the season and tourney is definitely getting brighter now.

 

[JohnnyGentle]

Who has a knack for scoring bunches and bunches of points. Guess you'll finally realize how good he really is in three - four years when he's dropping 30 - 40 point games.

or, alternatively, i'm right and you're wrong

 

[Bungalow Bill]

Right now he is getting a lot of open looks. Once better teams start to key on him we will see. He really hasn't shown he can create his own shot yet. He gets most of his points from screens or picks and gets open 3's. I am glad as hell he is finally playing great and getting a lot of PT and the start. The hopes for the season and tourney is definitely getting brighter now.

If anyone keys on Willis they'll pay dearly in the form of Murray, Ulis, Briscoe and Poy. Willis is a very good passer and the ball does not stick in his hands. Keying on him would be great for our team.

 

[blueberryfields]

You should be ashamed. Bird was awesome. Let's go Scott Padgett.

AGREED... Come on, Bird--------BIRD! Did you EVER see BIRD?

Willis hasn't even played enough to be compared to Bird, and four or five double-doubles is a LONG way from being in the same league.

 

[cal=8]

Right now he is getting a lot of open looks. Once better teams start to key on him we will see. He really hasn't shown he can create his own shot yet. He gets most of his points from screens or picks and gets open 3's. I am glad as hell he is finally playing great and getting a lot of PT and the start. The hopes for the season and tourney is definitely getting brighter now.

If you notice though, he seems to knock down more contested shots than open.. I mean half the time he's not even really set. But your right, he'll be one of the top guy's on our opponents scouting report from now on..

 

[uk78]

Bird was unstoppable in college and also took the ball inside. Willis is no where near as physical, can create his own shot, can control in the paint, etc. Willis looked the best I have seen against an awful Missouri. I hope he looks as good against Kansas.

 

[Catclass15]

If he doesnt instead end up being our next President I don't see why not

 

[DwayneMeighan]

or, alternatively, i'm right and you're wrong

Doubt it, but whatever makes you feel better.

 

[Ugoff]

Even if Willis doesn't continue his scoring trend vs KU, he's already made a contribution due to the fact that Self is right now trying to make darn sure Willis doesn't go off for 15 points. At the very least Willis is going to draw defense out of the lane so that Ulis, Murray and Briscoe can operate.

 

[cal=8]

Even if Willis doesn't continue his scoring trend vs KU, he's already made a contribution due to the fact that Self is right now trying to make darn sure Willis doesn't go off for 15 points. At the very least Willis is going to draw defense out of the lane so that Ulis, Murray and Briscoe can operate.

Great post!

 

[hoodro]

slightly undersized, under-athletic 2 who is a good, not great, shooter

Yet he's still putting up historical freshman numbers. Considering what you said, and looking at what he's still been able to do, makes him that much better, imo.

 

[jrpross]

You should be ashamed. Bird was awesome. Let's go Scott Padgett.

I've thought about the Padgett comparison. Then I felt guilty because I thought maybe it was just that they were 6'9" and white. But I think they do have similarities.

They both shoot nicely from outside. Willis is quicker and more athletic than Padgett was but Scott was stronger and could post up from time to time. He was a better defender too.

So they're different players but it's looking like Willis may fill kind of similar role as a stretch 4 and they had similar career paths. Useless as freshmen, brief flashes of potential as sophomores, and then solid contributors in their last 2 years.

 

[Big Foot 275]

I made the Larry Bird comparison mths ago and was promptly rediculed to scorn.
I stand by that comparison.
Im not ashamed.

I'm from Bullitt County too but I can't go there. Bird won the NBA three point contest and never even took his jacket off
after telling everybody in the locker room they were competing for 2nd place. That's pretty bad ass.
I am thrilled Willis is playing so well and hoping he gets a double double on Saturday.

 

[cal=8]

I've thought about the Padgett comparison. Then I felt guilty because I thought maybe it was just that they were 6'9" and white. But I think they do have similarities.

They both shoot nicely from outside. Willis is quicker and more athletic than Padgett was but Scott was stronger and could post up from time to time. He was a better defender too.

So they're different players but it's looking like Willis may fill kind of similar role as a stretch 4 and they had similar career paths. Useless as freshmen, brief flashes of potential as sophomores, and then solid contributors in their last 2 years.

I've never seen Willis stand at the top of the key and drain a 3 to get Ky to the final 4.. Yet! Scott Padgett had ice in his veins against Duke in 98. Padgett was a great shooter, wide and more physical. Willis is a lot quicker and more athletic but not close to the physical presence. I think Willis has the potential to be a much better player than Padgett who went 28th in the draft.. The NBA has changed a lot since then though.

 

[3kidsandme]

Murray will be a pg in the nba bank on that. He is not undersized for his natural position and will be a 20 ppg pg by his 3rd year in the league.

 

[cal=8]

Murray will be a pg in the nba bank on that. He is not undersized for his natural position and will be a 20 ppg pg by his 3rd year in the league.

I'm not sure Murray is quick enough to be a starting point guard in the NBA. As a scorer he uses his craftiness to find ways to score. He has a pretty good jump shot, can rebound and has to keep working on his defense. He's gonna make a lot of $..