Willis with 18 and 12 in only 25 min.

[WeepNoMore]

I guess a reverse question why are some fans like you upset over the Willis threads? Is it wrong to enjoy a player's success? No one is saying that he is a lottery pick but to keep harping about the threads on him is silly.

To answer your questions:

There are simply way too many posters on Rafters that

(1) are so emotionally invested in their previous "Willis can't play defense, won't rebound, is soft, is not quick enough, etc." posts that their one-track, know-it-all minds can't accept the fact that he is playing well

and/or

(2) are so enamored with the next round of Coach Cal's Mickey Ds that their small minds simply cannot accept that a 4-star, in-state, returning player could actually be more of a contributor for next year's team than one of the Mickey Ds. It's what I call the Dick Vitale syndrome.

 

[ukfan03]

A lot of posters on here talked up Willis over the past couple years. I didn't see anything but a descent shooter. I'm glad I was wrong because he's bringing it. He has a legit shot of playing in the NBA one day.

 

[Sithlyone]

I love that Willis is taking full advantage of his opportunity. Great kid and love his energy. One thing though that he needs to improve on is his Jump ball skills. Last two games he has missed them. LOL, otherwise he is doing great.

 

[geteven]

A lot of posters on here talked up Willis over the past couple years. I didn't see anything but a descent shooter. I'm glad I was wrong because he's bringing it. He has a legit shot of playing in the NBA one day.

Cool post, stuff like this is what a true Cats fan should sound like. Hope Willis reads your post.

 

[Untouchables22]

Said this in another thread, will say it again here.
Willis has played great - excellent, even - and I'm tickled for him AND for us. But, please, look at who we've played the last four games. Let's see if he can maintain this type of play against KU (not necessarily a double double, but the decent defense and rebounding - plus hit a couple-three shots) before we discuss him possibly being a starter next year.
This is not bashing Willis in any way, shape or form - it's being cautiously optimistic. I would love nothing more than Derek to be the man to lead us to another FF - just not prepared to say he can be the one to do it.......YET

Yeah people need to understand that matchups are going to be VERY important for Willis. There aren't a ton of college teams with two big strong post scorers Texas A&M is the only one in the SEC and in the whole country there is really only UNC, Maryland, Purdue and Arizona. Those 5 teams I don't think Willis can hold up on defense in the post against a legit scoring Power Forward. Otherwise he can play his stretch 4 role and be successful. I would guess that Alex and Marcus will primarily guard Perry Ellis on Saturday but if Willis gets any possessions guarding Perry Ellis that will be a good test for him.

 

[Untouchables22]

Why are ppl so obsessed with willis threads? He played well....not the first player in UK'S history to do so. I'm guessing they're from the same ppl who made threads about him when they wanted him to play just because, before Cal forced him to earn it and what's made him the player he is now? The same..he needs more time threads...even though it's pretty evident pulling him out earlier was teaching him what it tskes.

It's totally a race thing. Every young white kid that grows up in Kentucky shooting baskets in his driveway every night dreams of playing for Kentucky. The Reality is that 99.99999% of us were never going to be good enough. But when we see a homegrown white Kentucky boy playing for UK and playing well we see a small piece of ourselves out there doing it. We want to believe that if Wills can make it and contribute for the Cats that it was possible in some way that if things had turned out a different way it could have also been us. It's not grounded in reality and for most people it's subconscious and may not even realize that they are projecting themselves and there own dreams onto Willis but that's the answer to your question.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

It's totally a race thing. Every young white kid that grows up in Kentucky shooting baskets in his driveway every night dreams of playing for Kentucky. The Reality is that 99.99999% of us were never going to be good enough. But when we see a homegrown white Kentucky boy playing for UK and playing well we see a small piece of ourselves out there doing it. We want to believe that if Wills can make it and contribute for the Cats that it was possible in some way that if things had turned out a different way it could have also been us. It's not grounded in reality and for most people it's subconscious and may not even realize that they are projecting themselves and there own dreams onto Willis but that's the answer to your question.

And "That ^^^" ladies and gentleman is what is known as : "Cutting to the chase."
And for me personally the cherry on top is that I grew up in Bullitt Co.

 

[Primedfor9]

Part of it is that he's a ky kid, but he was the 1st player to commit in 13 class and was excited to be on board, has struggled to find his niche within our team the last couple of years..so it's nice to see him finally succeed at this level. From ky or not, we haven't had anybody else in the cal era like Willis and no doubt he's busted his butt to become an integral part of the team and it's nice to see the hard work pay off for him.

 

[gojvc]

Truthfully, I was always disappointed we didn't redshirt Derek. It may not have been clicking but I always thought with his shooting ability and athleticism that he could be a REALLY, REALLY good college player. And now, all of a sudden,he is.

 

[Cawood86]

If Willis continues this type of play, UK becomes a very dangerous team. Love it.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

If Willis continues this type of play, UK becomes a very dangerous team. Love it.

Why yes Cawood...yes they do.

 

[Federal Cat]

He played great tonight, couldn't be happier for him, keep it going Mr Willis

 

[screwduke]

If Willis continues this type of play, UK becomes a very dangerous team. Love it.

I agree. But we need Lee to break out of his slump.

 

[WitnessGreatness]

Willis isn't white though...

 

[chevyman 50]

There has been fans wanting him to transfer this yr before this season started and they have been wanting him to transfer next yr saying he will not get no playing time because of the new class coming in, i say he will be starting next yr..

 

[Stonewall12]

Why are ppl so obsessed with willis threads? He played well....not the first player in UK'S history to do so. I'm guessing they're from the same ppl who made threads about him when they wanted him to play just because, before Cal forced him to earn it and what's made him the player he is now? The same..he needs more time threads...even though it's pretty evident pulling him out earlier was teaching him what it tskes.

Well you do not get it.

 

[throatpoker]

Willis isn't white though...

Half and that's as close as we'll ever get

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

Willis isn't white though...

Half white half eskimo...who knew the eskimos could ball?

 

[FFWhite]

Willis has bought in and has helped change the outlook for this season.

 

[Huma1894]

He's getting drafted this year. How many big men shoot like him? He is a NBA natural.

 

[trinity45]

I guess a reverse question why are some fans like you upset over the Willis threads? Is it wrong to enjoy a player's success? No one is saying that he is a lottery pick but to keep harping about the threads on him is silly.

You have to realize there is a small segment out there that does not like the homegrown success story. People bashed Miller, now it is Willis. Unconsciously they are jealous because a KY kid is living the dream of playing at UK and having success.

 

[poppycat]

I agree with everything almost. Nobody has taken up for Willis the last two weeks then I have. I feel like I should be on the bench next to Cal giving him pointers.




But Willis ain't starting next year. Have a good one.

And you said 6 weeks ago that he wouldn't contribute this year,, RIGHT??

 

[LmdCat]

I agree with everything almost. Nobody has taken up for Willis the last two weeks then I have. I feel like I should be on the bench next to Cal giving him pointers.



But Willis ain't starting next year. Have a good one.

I have certainly taken my lumps this season because of my support for Willis and Skals. It was amazing to me that Cal kept yelling for the two young men to stand up and be men while he kept his feet on their necks. You can't turn someone into your personal punching bag and expect them to show a great deal of confidence on the court especially when the coach's focus was only on what the player didn't do well.

Cal isn't playing Willis because he wants to; he is playing him only because he has to if this team has any chance of being respectable. After a great performance last night, Cal still had to take shot at him while being much gentler when talking about Lee and Poy who were no-shows once again.

 

[BlueWorldOrder74]

I grew up in Bullitt County. I am white. I dreamed of playing for UK. I was Kyle Macy and Ed Davender and Mel Turpin, and Rex Chapman in my driveway.

I do not put my fantasy land on DW. I am not living vicariously through DW.

I just knew DW had skill, and I just knew he needed time on the court to gain some confidence. I also knew he wasn't doing the things he needed to do to earn that time. I still wanted him out there for a couple more minutes a game, just to play through a mistake every now and then.

He is now working hard, getting the chance to play through some mistakes, and gaining confidence. He is doing better than I hoped he would be at this juncture.

He will help us reach a final four; and my hope is he has a Scott Padgett like game in at least a regional final. That would be something!

Great job Derek. BC is proud!

 

[LmdCat]

Yeah people need to understand that matchups are going to be VERY important for Willis. There aren't a ton of college teams with two big strong post scorers Texas A&M is the only one in the SEC and in the whole country there is really only UNC, Maryland, Purdue and Arizona. Those 5 teams I don't think Willis can hold up on defense in the post against a legit scoring Power Forward. Otherwise he can play his stretch 4 role and be successful. I would guess that Alex and Marcus will primarily guard Perry Ellis on Saturday but if Willis gets any possessions guarding Perry Ellis that will be a good test for him.

Another thing that people need to understand is that the coach needs to be creative enough to get his best players on the court even if it means not always using his man-to-man defense. Yes, I mean come up with ways to protect them defensively during games when there are bad match-ups. It should be obvious to all now that this team can't afford not having Willis' scoring on the court.

 

[LmdCat]

It's totally a race thing. Every young white kid that grows up in Kentucky shooting baskets in his driveway every night dreams of playing for Kentucky. The Reality is that 99.99999% of us were never going to be good enough. But when we see a homegrown white Kentucky boy playing for UK and playing well we see a small piece of ourselves out there doing it. We want to believe that if Wills can make it and contribute for the Cats that it was possible in some way that if things had turned out a different way it could have also been us. It's not grounded in reality and for most people it's subconscious and may not even realize that they are projecting themselves and there own dreams onto Willis but that's the answer to your question.

Bunch of crap!!!! Race has nothing to do with it. I am one of Willis' biggest supporters and their is nothing white about me. I don't see color when it comes to UK basketball. I see results on the floor and fairness. If you really want to focus on the core of the problem, you only have to look at the number of stars that players have or don't have.

 

[Mike-D]

To answer your questions:

There are simply way too many posters on Rafters that

(1) are so emotionally invested in their previous "Willis can't play defense, won't rebound, is soft, is not quick enough, etc." posts that their one-track, know-it-all minds can't accept the fact that he is playing well

and/or

(2) are so enamored with the next round of Coach Cal's Mickey Ds that their small minds simply cannot accept that a 4-star, in-state, returning player could actually be more of a contributor for next year's team than one of the Mickey Ds. It's what I call the Dick Vitale syndrome.

You forgot 3.

(3) The "I told you so" crowd that could give a crap less how the team does so long as Willis is playing great. That way they can pat themselves on the back and have a feel good moment. Most of them still refuse to give Calipari any credit for how Willis has played, too. Most of this crap is all agenda driven. I don't care who plays. I want to win. I want every player to play good. They don't have to be from Kentucky either.

 

[Ugoff]

Bunch of crap!!!! Race has nothing to do with it. I am one of Willis' biggest supporters and their is nothing white about me. I don't see color when it comes to UK basketball. I see results on the floor and fairness. If you really want to focus on the core of the problem, you only have to look at the number of stars that players have or don't have.

Agree with this and if you need proof look at Miller. He was bashed repeatedly here and it was mostly because he wasn't considered elite. And it wasn't because he "disappeared" because we have some players doing that right now that had 4 and 5 stars and they seem to get a pass. Some get blinded by stars.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

A lot of posters on here talked up Willis over the past couple years. I didn't see anything but a descent shooter. I'm glad I was wrong because he's bringing it. He has a legit shot of playing in the NBA one day.

Cal said from day one that Willis would play in the NBA.

 

[BigBlueFanGA]

You forgot 3.

(3) The "I told you so" crowd that could give a crap less how the team does so long as Willis is playing great. That way they can pat themselves on the back and have a feel good moment. Most of them still refuse to give Calipari any credit for how Willis has played, too. Most of this crap is all agenda driven. I don't care who plays. I want to win. I want every player to play good. They don't have to be from Kentucky either.

I'm sorry but I don't think anyone is in that category, not even Willis' father. But there is a certain group who have gone out of their way to downplay Willis' growth. We all want to win and we all want all the players to play well. I will admit to an extra bit of pride when instate goods play well but I never put them in front of the team. That is ridiculous. It sounds like kybassfans constant fanboi attacks.

 

[kennywalker34]

Those of you...cough..cutnets...cough....saying Willis wont start next yr., better get a grip on reality.
Willis is the 3rd best player on this team right now.
NBA scouts are drooling...
Look at the size of his hands...they look like catchers mitts.
All he was lacking was confidence and PT...now he has both.
KU better lace em up tight Sat. Cause UK is coming in there to beat their ass.

I agree with everything you said. But if he keeps playing like this the rest of the season he may not be back next season to start. He very well could be in the league.

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

It's totally a race thing. Every young white kid that grows up in Kentucky shooting baskets in his driveway every night dreams of playing for Kentucky. The Reality is that 99.99999% of us were never going to be good enough. But when we see a homegrown white Kentucky boy playing for UK and playing well we see a small piece of ourselves out there doing it. We want to believe that if Wills can make it and contribute for the Cats that it was possible in some way that if things had turned out a different way it could have also been us. It's not grounded in reality and for most people it's subconscious and may not even realize that they are projecting themselves and there own dreams onto Willis but that's the answer to your question.

Good post. Nothing like living vicariously. LOL

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

Half and that's as close as we'll ever get

You're saying Derrick Willis isn't white? Come on man. I mean I don't know, he may have some Italian or German or something like that in him as we all do, but he's still white brother.

 

[throatpoker]

You're saying Derrick Willis isn't white? Come on man. I mean I don't know, he may have some Italian or German or something like that in him as we all do, but he's still white brother.

Get a clue, bruh.

http://www.ndnsports.com/native-ame...aas-division-i-mens-march-madness-tournament/

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

I love Willis man. I mean I'm so proud of him. He's playing with unbelievable confidence right now. Its like he knows he belongs now and its showing up with the way he's playing. The knocks on him were he couldn't rebound or play D.. Well he's our best rebounder right now and he's playing above average D. He's even blocking some shots. He's a big 6'9 skilled kid. He's going to play in the NBA but he will definitely come back for his senior season. And he will be a force for us next year. But having said all that. the only way he starts is if Ulis leaves. I doubt Ulis leaves personally but if he does Willis will start at the 3. And he'll be even more confident next year and he'll be an even better all around player. Don't be surprised if he don't shoot over 45% from 3 next year. But if Ulis go's here's our lineup...

Fox
Monk
Willis
Bam
Bolden

SKJ
Gabriel
Mathews
Hawkins
Humphries
Wynyard
Mulder
?

We'd need to add another Guard IMO, but that starting lineup is unreal. Big time rebounders at the 3-4 and 5 positions. But lets hope Ulis comes back and Willis is the best 6th man in the nation. Yes I said the Nation!!!!

 

[_NewWorldOrder_]

Get a clue, bruh.

http://www.ndnsports.com/native-ame...aas-division-i-mens-march-madness-tournament/

I had no idea his mother was Native American. It doesn't matter anyway but I had no idea.

 

[tapemaster8]

So happy for the kid, and I'm really looking forward to what he can bring for next year's squad. A consistent three point shooter, a guy who gets tough rebounds, and some veteran presence after lacking confidence early in his career--sure sounds familiar.

If he keeps improving he won't be here next season!

 

[Bkocats]

If he keeps improving he won't be here next season!

I don't think he has time to improve enough, THIS year
oh well - have been wrong before, so who knows

 

[Stonewall12]

And you said 6 weeks ago that he wouldn't contribute this year,, RIGHT??

Uh no. You don't know what you are talking about.

 

[KWilt43atbuzz]

I had no idea his mother was Native American. It doesn't matter anyway but I had no idea.

My goodness...look at Willis' paws...they look like frying pans.