Willis as a Pro?
- Thread starter cal=8
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With his size, length, athleticism, mobility, high level of fitness (key), rebounding knack, and proven shooting ability, Willis (offensively speaking) is literally one step-back jumper away from entry-level NBA attention. Entry-level attention. Almost any small thing added to his game to show he can create space for his own jumper could do it.
But he just doesn't have the size for NBA defensive assignments against players slow enough that he can guard. Those people are too big for him. Immediately after his superb dunk last night, a bigger bodied player that by all appearances looked slower than him went right past him for an easy lay-up. He has to learn how to defend close without fouling in order to keep the offensive player from putting the ball on the floor and getting a driving angle.
But he just doesn't have the size for NBA defensive assignments against players slow enough that he can guard. Those people are too big for him. Immediately after his superb dunk last night, a bigger bodied player that by all appearances looked slower than him went right past him for an easy lay-up. He has to learn how to defend close without fouling in order to keep the offensive player from putting the ball on the floor and getting a driving angle.
Yes, and who can defend, and projects as an above average slasher, passer and rebounder at the next level. Could easily be a third option on a contender some day.
Was it just my eyesight, or were about 6 of those 12 rebounds Willis got against Missouri either missed free throws that came to him or balls that just kindly bounced into his arms? I love Willis, but go back and watch the game and pay attention to his rebounds in the game - you will be surprised that about half of those happened to Willis, not from effort to rebound in or around his area. Again, I'm one who has always said Willis can produce given the opportunity, but I'm not sold on that "12 rebound" performance just yet. Let's see what he does the next few games in that category.
I seem to recall Cal saying during Derek's freshman year that he thought Derek would play in the NBA and compared him to a Bobby Jones (long time 76er from the 1970s-1980s) type. I think Derek, unfortunately for the last two years, got stuck behind NBA lottery picks and wasn't motivated to try to earn minutes because he was buried on the bench. Recall him being quoted (a Tipton hatchet job) last year as expressing some level of disinterest in basketball.
I think there is always a place in the NBA for a 6'9" guy that can shoot the 3 consistently, has decent athleticism and will rebound and defend. I think it is all on Derek now. He has his opportunity now. If he plays with the energy, desire and confidence he has shown the last several games through the balance of his college career, I think he makes an NBA roster and plays a few years in the league.
Wow, I swear if any of our guys has a few good games people start asking if they can be not in the draft, but a lottery pick. I don't think 2 1/4 years as a bench warmer, and a handful of good games gets you into even the draft let alone the lottery.
he's a willing defender and he works hard, but his lateral quickness is average and as a 2 he's slightly undersized. he is a good defensive rebounder, but i don't know if that's a reason to take a guy in the 3-6 range, or if a third option offensively is a good enough ceiling for a perimeter player (rather than a big who rebounds and/or guards rim at high level) in that kind of slot
he looked like a guy who could at least play some point guard and initiate in p'n'rs in the pan am games, but he's looked more like a straight-up 2 in a kentucky uniform. he has been better with the ball lately, though
if willis continues to eliminate the kind of defensive lapses he routinely had earlier in his career and as recently as in the arkansas game, he's probably going to get drafted. he still has trouble closing out under control and not getting beat on drives, but he's been more focused off the ball
with his frame, playing as a stretch 4 more than in limited stretches here and there may be a stretch (despite his recent rebounding), so pro scouts will want to see him make plays off the bounce a little bit more. he has shown pretty good vision, especially in transition
and with continued positive results his confidence will continue to grow, which is especially important for someone who needs to make 3s to be a prospect
with his frame, playing as a stretch 4 more than in limited stretches here and there may be a stretch (despite his recent rebounding), so pro scouts will want to see him make plays off the bounce a little bit more. he has shown pretty good vision, especially in transition
and with continued positive results his confidence will continue to grow, which is especially important for someone who needs to make 3s to be a prospect
around this time in miller's career he refused to take a wide open shot against ole miss at a crucial juncture, and iirc the possession ended with a shot clock violation and the game ended with another frustrating road loss. an awful lot of uk fans were borderline infuriated with him
willis is taller and IMO faster and a better pure shooter. i believe miller was the worst defender statistically on the title team, though he was more consistent on that end than willis
miller was a better offensive player overall--maybe the best offensive player on the title team--but since both guys would be looked at as role players, i'm not sure how important that is
