Willis has become our best rebounder
- Thread starter SilentsAreGolden
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Amazing what one can do when they get a chance instead of being screamed at and jerked out when you make a mistake. Same thing with Harrelson.
He rebounds outside of his area very well. He seems to a have a nose for the ball.
With Willis' emergence, and if Skal can break out, then I think we could make a deep run.
apparently daddy Del since that's who motivated him to finally do it
Some of you just can't help yourselves, can you?
Willis and Harrelson had the same issue...lack of effort. They both seemingly saw the writing on the wall and took their opportunity when it presented its self. We had no other center on the Harrelson team, so he stepped up when he knew he was "the guy". Willis sees that he has an opportunity now that he hasn't had before....a front court that does not include KAT, Dakari, WCS or Randle.
It is truly amazing how little some understand sports.
He rebounds WAY better than I ever thought he could. Willis does seem to have rebounding skills. You can rebound or you cant. He looks like he can. 5-10 rebounds per game is great for a small forward which really is his position.
I do not claim to know anything about the situation, but I do know that some people do not react positively to yelling. It is Cal's style to yell and scream and it has worked for him, but it may not the best way to motivate everyone.
Finally using his great hands and reach by playing with more energy and toughness.
Just glad Willis has stepped up regardless of the reason.
I think you nailed it. Still shocked that he's playing him.
And Cal is oft quoted as saying Kentucky isn't for everybody.
It's no secret how he coaches, so if you're the type that doesn't respond well to that, best to consider other options.
What's so shocking about it? Willis has been our leading rebounder the last 2 games. Before that, he's averaged 2 rebounds a game on the season. For comparison, Tyler Ulis has averaged 3. Yet.. Some of you are shocked that Willis is playing now.. It's almost like you never watched any of the other games. Shocking.
Willis is playing because he is contributing in a positive way on BOTH ends of the court. It's easy to see that his effort level is higher also. Cal has also been giving him props for his good play of late and will continue to play him starter minutes as long as he continues with the same effort.
This is completely wrong. The difference is not opportunity but effort. Another terrible take by Chickenlittleden.
Imagine if Cal would have started and played Willis the last two years without yelling at him we would be going for number 11 instead of 9. That dambed idiot Calipari.
You misunderstood. I am a Willis supporter, I just can't believe Cal is playing him over his favorites. All Cal has done is ride his ass, give a minute make a mistake and out. Cal will begin reducing his time, mark it down.
The biggest change I see is Cal decided to reward performance over pedigree.......Willis saw that too and was motivated to work harder.........a dangling carrot only works so long. even for a jackbut.
If Willis continues to rebound and continues to improve his defense, he will play.
You guys have clearly never played the game and have no clue how aggravating matador defense is for a coach
You guys have clearly never played the game and have no clue how aggravating matador defense is for a coach
I can't find the other interview, but he came flat out and said it wasn't cal who motivated him, but his dad.
not bad for a life long, die hard UL fan
I thought they were too, but my sister works with his mother and said they are not UL fans. My sister is though. Why I haven't disowned her is beyond me.
You should go into coaching. Sounds like you are an expert. I bet you would be great coaching the third grade girls team.
Maybe he can go into coaching. I am sure he knows everything about how to motivate someone. I am sure he knows how Willis has done in practice. Willis himself has said he needed to improve in practice to get on the floor.
"said they are not UL fans" as in currently. maybe that's true, but only because their son is playing for UK. if you don't think derek and his family are life long UL fans then I don't know what to tell you other than you're wrong.
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must be a paid member to read the article, but
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120120/SPORTS11/301200089/Derek-Willis-Bullitt-Kentucky
also a free video there where the interviewer asks, "is it going to be hard to change your dad's colors".
another one:
http://www.scout.com/college/kentucky/story/1150648-calipari-stings-pitino-ul-again
Del, "I'm not going to sugarcoat it. Louisville has been my team since I was a kid. I remember selling t-shirts when they won the 1980 championship when I was a 16 year old kid."
there are also articles from Derek's recruitment where he personally admits to being a UL fan and it being his, quote "dream school", but I'm not going to search for those
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That's a crock of chit. Willis is finally doing what Cal has been coaching him to do. It took him 2 and a half seasons to start giving the effort in practice to be able to get on the floor. Willis has admitted he wasn't doing what he should be to get minutes as recently as last season. The only way Cal will reduce his minutes is if Willis reverts to his poor play and practice habits which I don't see happening. He's earned it and Cal is rewarding him with big minutes.
I don't care how long it took, what motivated it, or anything else as long as he keeps it up. The guy has been great for us lately.
Given Cal's record I hope he keeps on coaching just as he has always done. Seems to work,
It's funny how a couple of posters have almost disappeared from these ongoing Willis threads. Not only has Willis been rebounding very well, he also has excellent court vision, and passing skills. He brings something that seems to help the overall team chemistry, and it's showed in these last two games. Proud "fanboi" here!
He shows signs of becoming a good passer, I wouldn't call him excellent. He has two assists after having played around 90 minutes the last three games.
A coach once told me "Don't worry about me yelling at you because that means I still believe in you, worry when I stop".
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