Willis last night

[wobycat]

I know some saw him look weak last night on d. I think he underestimated the player he was guarding. That dude can ball. If you noticed, Derek did not come at him with a good defensive stance. I still think he can contribute in spots.

 

[KYBorn&Raised]

Last night was just a matchup problem for him. He will be fine.

 

[Jkwo_rivals113955]

He'll be in the rotation - he's too good now to be left out.

He's a decent defender now, but he's not at "completely shut down Duke's five star guards" level yet, which Briscoe and Ulis are, as they showed last night by taking those kids completely out of the game.

 

[UKCatsFan10]

He will be fine, but there are going to be times when he just can't match up. One possession in the second half Allen went by him like he was stuck in concrete.

 

[ciphercomplete_rivals115824]

I think he did fine when he was in. Poythress and Briscoe were just playing too well to take out.

 

[stuway]

Sorry to say but up against premeire athletes, it appears Willis will still struggle. I hope he proves me wrong, but thats my thoughts early on. He has improved a ton, but has more work to do.

 

[JWat_]

Willis will likely continue to play some, and will contribute in conference when the matchups are ideal.

Last night, there was nobody for him to guard. Ingram would have destroyed him, and he's not quick enough to keep any of Duke's guards out of the lane.

 

[UKWildcats#8]

Willis will likely continue to play some, and will contribute in conference when the matchups are ideal.

Last night, there was nobody for him to guard. Ingram would have destroyed him, and he's not quick enough to keep any of Duke's guards out of the lane.

Yup. He is kinda like Wiltjer in that he won't do as well/play much against more athletic teams with good talent.

 

[FtWorthCat]

Willis will likely continue to play some, and will contribute in conference when the matchups are ideal.

Last night, there was nobody for him to guard. Ingram would have destroyed him, and he's not quick enough to keep any of Duke's guards out of the lane.

That's pretty much the way I saw it as well. Plus he isn't strong enough to match up with the big guys.

 

[Kybluedude]

Sure he will. On a 6 5 mvp of the Championship game and did fine. Our team is balanced and with options. Look at Skal last night. Bad matchup for him and it showed early. Not his night either but he got help.

 

[anon1763419335]

first time with the big lights on. he looked gun shy out there. needs more time to get comfortable. next few games should help him get more PT under his belt.

 

[buckkiller]

Willis will have a solid year still.

 

[Joneslab]

I think he did fine when he was in. Poythress and Briscoe were just playing too well to take out.

Unfortunately he didn't. He struggled mightily to contain anyone. Got beat literally every time he was in there.

Tough game. A lot of nerves. I think he could still help the team, but it's becoming apparent that unless there's an injury or foul trouble, the first six are going to basically make this thing go.

 

[*dezyDECO*]

The matchups were not in his favor. The way it was being called, especially early, Willis' night would've been nothing but touch-fouls with the dookies walking to the line for an and-1.

 

[sefus12]

Man.... Willis has gone from MVP to after-thought in the course of three days.

 

[Federal Cat]

I didn't get to watch the game yet I was at work last night, not every game Willis will be faced with the quickness and athleticism of last nights game so hopefully he can contribute some meaningful minutes this year[thumb2]

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

In high-level games, Willis will be on a short least imo. If he's contributing he'll get some minutes but if not he'll be right back on the bench. If he had hit his open 3 last nite maybe he plays a little more .. but he missed it and then let his man get a bucket. He will have more opportunities going forward. The pressure will be on him to perform right out of the box. He will contribute.

 

[KY Long Rifle_rivals381398]

A little OT, but I noticed he has a roman numeral tattoo. The best I can tell it stands for 7 15 63. Anybody know the significance behind that? I'll hang up and listen.

 

[Cat Ballou]

Willis just didn't fit into what Cal wanted to do on the offense end (drive, not shoot threes) and grab rebounds.

I don't think he did that bad on the defensive end.