Willis out of the shadows

[geteven]

So proud of this young man for stepping up for his team.
The first half of the season I saw a guy out there that was always second guessing himself, it was to the point that he would sometimes look awkward and out of place. It was really obvious on the defensive end of the court. He would hesitate just enough to give up a shot or let a man drive by him.
Wow, what a difference confidence can make in someone's game. It's allowed his athleticism to shine. His comfort has enabled him to look as if he's a true NBA talent. The difference in just "the eye test" with his presence on the floor is mind boggling to me.
Just so happy for this young man.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

Bullitt Co. In the House!!!

 

[rodgerblue]

Ok

 

[CHAMPCAT11]

Ok

Way better than ok. He's improving and making the team a lot better. There's a lot of Willis threads right now but he deserves it after all the hell he's caught on this board for the past few years.

 

[caneintally]

Ok

seriously why even reply with that garbage?

 

[throatpoker]

i'm glad his dad was finally able to get through to him when cal couldn't

 

[rodgerblue]

Ok, today Willis is the hero. Next time he has a bad game the same posters here, who are on their knees tonight, will be the first to blast him.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

Having Willis in as a stretch 4 is helping the team and specifically Poy.
When Lee and Poy are in at the same time it clogs the lane because Lee cant shoot a 10 ft. jumper.
With Willis in it gives Poy more freedom of motion inside because Willis at 6'9 can shoot it and teams have to come out on him and that opens up the middle for Poy.

 

[Blueaz]

So proud of this young man for stepping up for his team.
The first half of the season I saw a guy out there that was always second guessing himself, it was to the point that he would sometimes look awkward and out of place. It was really obvious on the defensive end of the court. He would hesitate just enough to give up a shot or let a man drive by him.
Wow, what a difference confidence can make in someone's game. It's allowed his athleticism to shine. His comfort has enabled him to look as if he's a true NBA talent. The difference in just "the eye test" with his presence on the floor is mind boggling to me.
Just so happy for this young man.

Disagree. I think his athletism came through and that turned the confidence around. Maybe Cal knows how to coach, after all.

 

[goforitcats]

Poy and Willis can definitely shoot it a little better,than Lee. Marcus is better off coming in from the bench at this point.

 

[Bkocats]

Willis is doing well.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

Willis finally has evolved...hope it stays that way. He makes this team so much better on offense, although he was off today. That said, he is rebounding now and playing SOME D at least ...so Cal can keep him in the game a lot more even on off offensive days.

 

[Brando Mac]

As long as he continues to make an effort to play defense and rebound, Cal won't take him out because he needs him in there as an offensive threat. Other teams are realizing they have to guard him and it opens things up for everyone else.

I loved that Ulis kept passing to him even though he had been cold, and he finally confidently nailed a 3. Our little floor general sees the game on another level and understands that this team needs some weapons out there on offense in order to be our best. Keeps getting guys involved, that's what we need.

 

[UKDC80]

Having Willis in as a stretch 4 is helping the team and specifically Poy.
When Lee and Poy are in at the same time it clogs the lane because Lee cant shoot a 10 ft. jumper.
With Willis in it gives Poy more freedom of motion inside because Willis at 6'9 can shoot it and teams have to come out on him and that opens up the middle for Poy.

Spot on.

 

[jockstrap_mcgee]

He's this year's Harrelson.
We needed somebody to start cleaning the glass and he fits the bill.

 

[Nubb16]

I didn't think he would do it. But damn it makes me happy to see him playing so well AND rebounding like a boss.

 

[geteven]

Ok, today Willis is the hero. Next time he has a bad game the same posters here, who are on their knees tonight, will be the first to blast him.

I disagree, not everyone blasts players. Actually, I'm sort of the type that believes in motivation by positive reinforcement. Just stating my thoughts on his play as of late.

Always new he could shoot the ball and was an athlete. Just so happy for him, you can just tell he seems to have realized he deserves to be on this team. I can't remember very many 6'9" UK players that can shoot as well as him. He's also very athletic, he's got the talent. Good to seem him have the confidence to use it.

Looking forward to seeing what happens over the next couple of games. The sky is the limit for him!

 

[UKBrassowTipIN]

He's getting better because Cal taught him he had to do better when everyone was pouting about taking him out, when really that was heloping him. Willis is okay, he's getting better.

Not sure why there are still endless threads on him. I'm under the realization that we need Matthews, not willis to be the one that plays really well to make a run..bc he can defend and rebound.

Willis still gets blown by quite a bit, and makes alot of silly decisions sometimes lIke losing rebounds bc he wants to try aND tip dunk every thing evendors when its nit attainable. He's doing better, but if we are relying on him to be the one to do something..that's not good.

An NBA prospect..um no. That's not hating on him, but no dude, he's not an NBA talent. People thought bobby perry was playing well when we had to have him to, doesn't mean he was awesome.

 

[Big Cat fan]

The development in his game is credit to the coaching staff, Cal has done wonders for this kid and I'm glad to see him a key part on the team.

 

[WitnessGreatness]

Willis complements Poy so much better than Lee. I think it's why we've seen Poy score more down low as it opens the lane for him to operate

 

[RuppnRoll]

Just remember .... We have never won a Championship without a KY boy playing a vital role ....

 

[geteven]

He's getting better because Cal taught him he had to do better when everyone was pouting about taking him out, when really that was heloping him. Willis is okay, he's getting better.

Not sure why there are still endless threads on him. I'm under the realization that we need Matthews, not willis to be the one that plays really well to make a run..bc he can defend and rebound.

Willis still gets blown by quite a bit, and makes alot of silly decisions sometimes lIke losing rebounds bc he wants to try aND tip dunk every thing evendors when its nit attainable. He's doing better, but if we are relying on him to be the one to do something..that's not good.

An NBA prospect..um no. That's not hating on him, but no dude, he's not an NBA talent.

Respectfully disagree with most of what you said above. Not sure that Matthews has played as well as Willis in any game this year. He's had almost as many opportunities as Willis as far as game time the first half of the year. Lots of upside with him!!

He's going to be fun to watch the next couple of years. Athletic, good defender, and brings a lot of hustle.

Again, I disagree in regards to Willis. A 6'9", athletic, shooter, lots of length. I like him when he's getting after it like he has lately. He's been above average the past couple of games defensively. I think he's vital for this years team to make a deep run. Right now he's a starter for any team in the SEC. He's got NBA talent, just needs the attitude. Looks like he's finding it to me. Happy for him, he deserves all the recognition he's getting now.

 

[wyomingcat]

I'm really glad he is playing so well, he had a tough time tonight with the 3 pointer, but all players have off nights. His play has really helped open up the court, makes a huge difference not getting pulled so quickly when a mistake is made.

 

[Ukgold]

He's getting better because Cal taught him he had to do better when everyone was pouting about taking him out, when really that was heloping him. Willis is okay, he's getting better.

Not sure why there are still endless threads on him. I'm under the realization that we need Matthews, not willis to be the one that plays really well to make a run..bc he can defend and rebound.

Willis still gets blown by quite a bit, and makes alot of silly decisions sometimes lIke losing rebounds bc he wants to try aND tip dunk every thing evendors when its nit attainable. He's doing better, but if we are relying on him to be the one to do something..that's not good.

An NBA prospect..um no. That's not hating on him, but no dude, he's not an NBA talent. People thought bobby perry was playing well when we had to have him to, doesn't mean he was awesome.

If this is true and we're waiting on Matthews to help get number 9 oh boy.
No one thought jorts would make it to NBA but he did. Same thing could be said for Willis.IMO Willis playing his best give us more upside than Matthews play his best.

 

[Federal Cat]

It's good to see him doing better, wow 9 rebounds, if some more of the 3 pointers would have gone in that would have been great but I'm happy for him, keep it up big fella

 

[MrHotDice]

Ok

Ok, your a nut. Ok?

 

[musrat59]

I have always thought the young fella had the tools. It has just taken a while to put everything together. If he works hard and listens to his coaches, he will get much better.

 

[chevyman 50]

He will be even better next yr, and have experience.

 

[caneintally]

Ok, today Willis is the hero. Next time he has a bad game the same posters here, who are on their knees tonight, will be the first to blast him.

The only thing anyone has ever bashed him for is his D . He is playing it now . Who cares if he makes shots or misses them sometimes as if he plays hard like he did today he is a star.

 

[caneintally]

Ok, your a nut. Ok?

I sometimes wonder if he , Zaytoven and 3rex are the same person .

 

[Kycatspaws]

 

[USNNFOCAT]

I sometimes wonder if he , Zaytoven and 3rex are the same person .

You mean like Sybil?

 

[warrior-cat]

Disagree. I think his athletism came through and that turned the confidence around. Maybe Cal knows how to coach, after all.

Jorts came to mind when I read this. I agree.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Also makes me excited even more for next year. Willis and Hawkins should provide leadership for a very young team. Willis might even start next year.

 

[HavenRoberts87]

Ok

GTFOH

 

[Fitch44]

Cal basically taught him he needed to rebound and play tough on d and he will play.
I think we saw what a "bad game" looks like yesterday. He still plays tough d and grabs 9 boards. He just Happen to not shoot real well.
He changed our team and the outlook for this team moving forward.
I believe he will only get better and tougher as the season goes on. Anyone that has played sports knows there is absolutely no replacement for confidence. And his is gaining steam every game.
Love this player Willis is blossoming into.

 

[Big Foot 275]

I wish he would hold free throw shooting classes for several of his teammates.
He is money on the free throw line.

 

[Bkocats]

Willis finally has evolved...hope it stays that way. He makes this team so much better on offense, although he was off today. That said, he is rebounding now and playing SOME D at least ...so Cal can keep him in the game a lot more even on off offensive days.

he was off on offense, but did NOT hurt us when he wasn't hitting. That, to me, is the biggest difference

 

[Stonewall12]

He's getting better because Cal taught him he had to do better when everyone was pouting about taking him out, when really that was heloping him. Willis is okay, he's getting better.

Not sure why there are still endless threads on him. I'm under the realization that we need Matthews, not willis to be the one that plays really well to make a run..bc he can defend and rebound.

Willis still gets blown by quite a bit, and makes alot of silly decisions sometimes lIke losing rebounds bc he wants to try aND tip dunk every thing evendors when its nit attainable. He's doing better, but if we are relying on him to be the one to do something..that's not good.

An NBA prospect..um no. That's not hating on him, but no dude, he's not an NBA talent. People thought bobby perry was playing well when we had to have him to, doesn't mean he was awesome.

He don't lose rebounds wth are you talking about?

 

[Canadian Cat]

As long as he continues to make an effort to play defense and rebound, Cal won't take him out because he needs him in there as an offensive threat. Other teams are realizing they have to guard him and it opens things up for everyone else.

I loved that Ulis kept passing to him even though he had been cold, and he finally confidently nailed a 3. Our little floor general sees the game on another level and understands that this team needs some weapons out there on offense in order to be our best. Keeps getting guys involved, that's what we need.