Derek Willis commits to UK!

Coach Cal and the Wildcats pick up their first freshman commitment from Kentucky in Derek Willis (this not including transfer Beckham from Louisville). Hood and Miller were both BCG recruits.   Willis is also the first commitment from the 2013 class.

For those complaining about UK not taking in local kids, your dream has come true.  Willis is a solid pick up, a 6'8/6'9 power forward from Mt. Washington, Kentucky (plays for Bullit East). 


Rankings:
Rivals-4 star-#23, #10 PF
Scout-4 star #33,  #8 PF
ESPN-#42, 95 rating (37-41 also given a 95 rating)

 He chose UK over Purdue, Indiana and Louisville.  Despite growing up a Louisville fans and having parents who are Louisville fans, he cited Purdue as his 2nd choice (who he was previously committed to).  So that would put Louisville in 3rd or 4th and I'm hearing it was 4th.  Tough times when your fans of your program still pick 3 other schools over you including your rival.


His father said that he is a die hard UofL fan but you can't say no to Calipari and that he will slowly start wearing blue.  Calipari with the Jet Eye mind trick once again.  

He decided to announce his decision after feeling bogged down by the whole recruiting process.  Some kids love all attention and will drag it out as much as they can, others find it distracting. 

Willis is similar to Wiltjer in that he isn't going to blow you away with his athleticism right out of the gate and we are not looking at a player who will likely start as a freshman and then be a lottery pick.  This is a nice stability pick with a local flavor. 

A player who is versatile, which will work well in the dribble drive but will provide UK with some experience down the line.  We will not continue to have junior/seniors like Harrellson, Liggins, Patterson, Miller, etc. if Cal only takes in five star one and done players.  Although experience isn't everything and Cal has shown his ability to be successful with young guns, the experienced players can help teach Cal's concepts and can provide composure when the young bloods are rattled. 

The question is will he be ok with this?  Stacey Poole shown that he wasn't ok with his. Coach Cal never promised Poole anything.  The problem is some players hear this but have always received tons of minutes, so they believe they will come in, work hard and see the pt they are wanting.  When they don't, they can become restless and look elsewhere for it.  Will Willis be someone like Harrellson who waited his turn and helped us quite or someone who will become restless and deck? Only time will tell.