Author
|
Topic: Should Derek Willis be in a Platoon with Lyles Out?
|
eleem
Player
Member # 884
|
posted 02-03-2015 03:09 PM
When looking at the greatest benefactor of Alex Poythress going down before the North Carolina game, I think no question that Trey Lyles is the answer. He was shifted into the starting lineup and sees the most times with both platoons, when Calipari chooses to use them. Then when Lyles goes down with a sickness, Dominique Hawkins benefited some by his insertion into the starting lineup. But what has been clear on the negative side of things is that Derek Willis has not benefitted from the injury to Poythress or sickness to Lyles, as his playing time has actually dropped since that time. Willis has only played in 1 SEC game so far, a mere 2-minute stint in the first Missouri game. He has only played in 8 games all season and 54 minutes total. This has led to the almost predictable call from many UK fans, especially those in the call-in circles, for Willis to see more action. There is nothing some UK fans love more than a Kentucky kid with a (maybe perceived) shooting skill. But you have to ask the question:
Does Derek Willis deserve the playing time? A couple things to keep in mind:
1. How good of a shooter is he? I would say the jury is still out. For his career, Derek is less than 33% from the 3-point line. Now this season alone, he is 5-13, which is 38%. That is a pretty good number but he’s also only attempted 13 this year and 19 for his career. With that small a number of attempts, we just don’t really know how good a shooter he is. What we do know is that for a guy his size, he can be a weapon by just being a threat from the outside. It’s much in the same way of Kyle Wiltjer. The reality was that Kyle Wiltjer wasn’t as good a shooter as people think. When he was pushed into being more of a key on the offense during his sophomore season, Wiltjer shot just 36% from the 3-point line. That’s only a decent number, but for a guy that was 6-9, that makes him a dangerous weapon.
2. What is not in question is his struggles rebounding. Willis has just 10 rebounds in 54 minutes. Sorry, but for a 6-9 player, that is pretty poor. He is averaging 1 rebound for every 5 minutes, 24 seconds of play. If Willis got 15 minutes of action at that pace, he would only pull down 2.8 rebounds per game. I can tell you for a fact that Calipari will not accept that. And frankly, I don’t see that getting a whole lot better. Hate to bring up Wiltjer again, but there was never a doubt that Kyle was not going to be a great defender. He just didn’t have the quickness to do it. I am not sure Willis has that rebounding “skill” that some of the other players have.
3. Why do we have to play 10 guys? Remember the good ‘ol days of 2010, 2011, and 2012 when Kentucky would play 6 or 7 guys regularly? Last I checked, those teams did pretty well. But in a way the platoon got us spoiled into thinking that Cal should always try to play 10 guys. If you got them, play them. Well, the reality is I would rather see my best 7 play all the minutes than 10 play less minutes. There is no good reason to simply throw a guy out there just to complete a fictional platoon system. With that said, and with every one of these, maybe Derek is good enough. But we really don’t know for sure and from what we have seen so far, I am not sure the other guys on the team have earned the right to be taken off the floor.
Derek Willis is a big bag of potential. He is fairly athletic for 6-9 and has some skills, especially if his jumpshot is falling. But let’s be real here, he has some obvious holes in his game. And this team is going for perfection. I hate to repeat some of Cal’s tired sayings but “this ain’t communism”. Derek Willis has to EARN the right to play. We don’t get to see practice as fans but the fact he is barely seeing the floor despite the openings in the platoons tells me there is something going on at practice that Calipari doesn’t like very much. At now 21 games into the season, I am not sure now is the time to “take a chance”.
Link
Posts: 13248 | From: flatwoods,ky. | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged
|
|
eleem
Player
Member # 884
|
posted 02-03-2015 03:13 PM
This post was written by someone who clearly has never played basketball before. His stats are no reflection of the type of player he is. With Missouri as the exception, his experience consists of garbage minutes at the end of the game. This is at the end of the game after he has sat on the bench for the entire game. To be able to come out and actually hit a shot is pretty amazing to me. People were saying the same thing about Marcus Lee last year. He never played until his big shot in the NCAA when he tore up Michigan. All he needed was a shot. I understand that we are not in practice everyday but lord, he can’t be that bad! Throw him in there, let’s see what he can do. I know for a fact that I always played better in games than in practice.
Posts: 13248 | From: flatwoods,ky. | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged
|
|
eleem
Player
Member # 884
|
posted 02-03-2015 03:18 PM
What say you G BEAN, I'd like to see him get some playing time, but don't know what he does in practice. I didn't think he looked to good in the Missou game. I thought he played quite well in the Bahamas.
Posts: 13248 | From: flatwoods,ky. | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged
|
|
SCWC
Player
Member # 2464
|
posted 02-03-2015 03:32 PM
There is no reason he should not be getting more minutes than 2 minutes in all of our SEC games. I did not realize that. And those minutes with the walk ons are no help to anyone but they do count as minutes played. I would love to see if Willis has it or not. He is very athletic, has a decent delivery on his shot but seems to lack confidence. We may never know with Willis. I sometimes think he is quite content just wearing the UK uniform. I follow him on IOS and see pictures of him all the time with some beautiful coeds around doting over him. I just saw one the other day where he had found himself a five foot skate board, that just does not sound to me like someone who is taking his basketball game overly serious. I would not want a player of mine at this point in the season riding around campus on a skate board. I would rather see him in the gym working on his game in an effort to get more playing time.
Posts: 17777 | From: Myrtle Beach, SC | Registered: Jun 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
ironrangetoo
Player
Member # 10205
|
posted 02-03-2015 03:41 PM
I'm content to let Coach Cal determine playing time.
Posts: 2008 | From: Ely MN | Registered: Dec 2012
| IP: Logged
|
|
EnterpriseCat
Player
Member # 2881
|
posted 02-03-2015 04:13 PM
I would like to see Derek get more PT too, but only if he deserves it. Cal mentions defense by Hawkins as his strongest asset and perhaps that is what Derek is lacking. We don't see practices, so we really don't know the effort he's putting in to get PT. Maybe he'll give the proverbial 110% in practice and see more action.
-------------------- Romans 8:38-39
JD4U
Posts: 2310 | From: Enterprise, AL | Registered: Oct 2007
| IP: Logged
|
|
Tiptree
Administrator
Member # 844
|
posted 02-03-2015 04:57 PM
I read an article not too long ago that quoted him as basically saying that he isn't trying as hard as he knows he should.
What? Say again? You are given this opportunity and you admit that you are slacking off?
If that is a correct self-assessment, I am surprised he gets any minutes at all.
-------------------- Tiptree
“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” Thomas Jefferson
Posts: 13709 | From: Terre Haute, IN | Registered: Sep 2000
| IP: Logged
|
|
Trey Ball
Administrator
Member # 332
|
posted 02-03-2015 05:16 PM
quote: Originally posted by Tiptree: I read an article not too long ago that quoted him as basically saying that he isn't trying as hard as he knows he should.
What? Say again? You are given this opportunity and you admit that you are slacking off?
If that is a correct self-assessment, I am surprised he gets any minutes at all.
EXACTLY. Willis has no one to blame but Willis. When he made those comments you know he is content with where he is at. I wouldn't play him either if I were Cal.
-------------------- Wife's Mad. Told me we never talk anymore. And just last nite while watching super bowl told her 2 or 3 times to get me a coke and popcorn. Also told her not to forget to take out trash in the morning. Ain't that something. Also told me I was too indecisive. Can't figure out what to do about that. One nice thing I guess. She called me a pro crastinator. Don't know what a crastinator is but I guess I'm a good one for her to call me a pro. Gonna wait til tomorrow to look that up though. I love her but somrtimes can't help but thinking I should have told uncle Junior to keep his coon hound pup and stevens double barrel and also his youngest daughter.
redbone
Posts: 11838 | From: IN, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
| IP: Logged
|
|
Trey Ball
Administrator
Member # 332
|
posted 02-03-2015 05:29 PM
quote: Originally posted by SCWC: He is very athletic, has a decent delivery on his shot but seems to lack confidence. We may never know with Willis. I sometimes think he is quite content just wearing the UK uniform. I follow him on IOS and see pictures of him all the time with some beautiful coeds around doting over him. I just saw one the other day where he had found himself a five foot skate board, that just does not sound to me like someone who is taking his basketball game overly serious. I would not want a player of mine at this point in the season riding around campus on a skate board. I would rather see him in the gym working on his game in an effort to get more playing time.
Amen
-------------------- Wife's Mad. Told me we never talk anymore. And just last nite while watching super bowl told her 2 or 3 times to get me a coke and popcorn. Also told her not to forget to take out trash in the morning. Ain't that something. Also told me I was too indecisive. Can't figure out what to do about that. One nice thing I guess. She called me a pro crastinator. Don't know what a crastinator is but I guess I'm a good one for her to call me a pro. Gonna wait til tomorrow to look that up though. I love her but somrtimes can't help but thinking I should have told uncle Junior to keep his coon hound pup and stevens double barrel and also his youngest daughter.
redbone
Posts: 11838 | From: IN, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
| IP: Logged
|
|
Bama Cat
Player
Member # 153
|
posted 02-03-2015 11:05 PM
He is either going to ride the bench for 2 more years or he is going drop out or he will transfer, even though he says he's happy to be here. I just don't think he will do this for 2 more years.
Posts: 14367 | From: berea, ky, usa | Registered: Sep 1999
| IP: Logged
|
|
Green-Bean
Player
Member # 13551
|
posted 02-04-2015 04:16 AM
quote: Originally posted by eleem: What say you G BEAN, I'd like to see him get some playing time, but don't know what he does in practice. I didn't think he looked to good in the Missou game. I thought he played quite well in the Bahamas.
ELEEM IMO THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT WILLIS SHOULD BE GETTING PLAYING TIME, THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR CAL NOT TO LET HIM IN THESE GAMES, AND GIVE HIM A CHANCE, BUT AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE HE WILL NEVER GET PLAYING TIME FROM CAL,HE HAS THE BEST ENTRY PASS AS ANYONE ON THIS TEAM, HE CAN HANDLE, SHOOT, BOARD AND HE IS VERY ATHLETIC,BUT IF HE REALLY WANTS TO PLAY BASKETBALL, HE MUST LEAVE CAL. FOR REASONS I WILL NOT ELABORATE ON. SO THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION, IS MOST DEFINETLY HE SHOULD BE GETTING PLAYING TIME.
-------------------- I was Born A Wildcat! That's All I'll Ever Be!
Posts: 2290 | From: Newport Ky. | Registered: Mar 2014
| IP: Logged
|
|
m hamilton
Player
Member # 127
|
posted 02-04-2015 06:53 AM
I'm not at any of the prectices so I can't come right out and say that Willis should be playing!
-------------------- The potus is planning 1st major tax hike since '93 in next economic package! I still can't believe some people believed that LIAR!!!
Your whole life is determined(by) 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you handle it!!!
Posts: 127896 | From: vevay, IN USA | Registered: Sep 1999
| IP: Logged
|
|
Green-Bean
Player
Member # 13551
|
posted 02-04-2015 09:04 AM
IF HE WAS AS DAMN TERRIBLE AT PRACTICE AS SOME LET ON, CAL WOULD KICK HIM OFF, CAL HAS TO PLAY THESE MICKEYD'S SO HE CAN TRY AND PUT THEM IN THE NBA. LIKE I SAID HE WILL NEVER PLAY FOR CAL, LOOK WHAT FEW HAS DONE WITH WILTJER, AND I HEARD THE SAME THANG ABOUT HIM, SOME KIDS ARE DIFFERENT THAN OTHERS CAL HAS SAID HIS SELF BEFORE YOU HAVE TO TREAT EACH PLAYER DIFFERENT. ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
-------------------- I was Born A Wildcat! That's All I'll Ever Be!
Posts: 2290 | From: Newport Ky. | Registered: Mar 2014
| IP: Logged
|
|
Trey Ball
Administrator
Member # 332
|
posted 02-04-2015 11:26 AM
Wiltjer played a ton of minutes as a Soph. I liked Wiltjer's offensive game, but he couldn't guard his shadow. I think he is a fine young man
He has been nothing but complimentary of Cal and UK since his departure. He chose the perfect coach to play for in Few because Few wouldn't know defense if it bit him. His philosophy is to just outscore the opponent and playing in that weak conference it works, but it is also why they generally flame out in the tournament around the Sweet 16.
-------------------- Wife's Mad. Told me we never talk anymore. And just last nite while watching super bowl told her 2 or 3 times to get me a coke and popcorn. Also told her not to forget to take out trash in the morning. Ain't that something. Also told me I was too indecisive. Can't figure out what to do about that. One nice thing I guess. She called me a pro crastinator. Don't know what a crastinator is but I guess I'm a good one for her to call me a pro. Gonna wait til tomorrow to look that up though. I love her but somrtimes can't help but thinking I should have told uncle Junior to keep his coon hound pup and stevens double barrel and also his youngest daughter.
redbone
Posts: 11838 | From: IN, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
| IP: Logged
|
|
Green-Bean
Player
Member # 13551
|
posted 02-04-2015 11:36 AM
I WATCHED WILTJER SEVERAL TIMES THIS YEAR AND HE GUARDS PRETTY GOOD, COULD IT BE FEW KNOWS HOW TO PUT HIM IN A POSTION TO SUCCEED? IMO YES.
-------------------- I was Born A Wildcat! That's All I'll Ever Be!
Posts: 2290 | From: Newport Ky. | Registered: Mar 2014
| IP: Logged
|
|
PaulCat
Player
Member # 513
|
posted 02-04-2015 11:45 AM
Who was he guarding? Gonzaga doesn't play a lot of talented teams. There's no way he could guard any of our players.
If Willis was to get more minutes, someone else would have to sit. Who is that gonna be? Willis would get thrown around like a toothpick playing inside. And we already have four guards who are better than him. Bottom line - he's just stuck behind better players.
Posts: 10407 | From: Erlanger, Ky. USA | Registered: Mar 2000
| IP: Logged
|
|
catmandoo
Player
Member # 1284
|
posted 02-04-2015 02:02 PM
Paul, is right and we have to remember our coaching staff is very qualified and see's these players play every single day. We pay Cal one heck of a salary to recruit and play for our enjoyment. If you look at his record and see who he has recruited these years you have to realize he knows what he is doing and what is going on and off the court.
-------------------- http://www.ukfightsong.com/
Posts: 186363 | From: st. augustine florida 32092 | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
PaulCat
Player
Member # 513
|
posted 02-04-2015 02:41 PM
Green-Bean, I hope one of us gets proven wrong, because I would love to see us play Gonzaga this year. I think the media would eat that game up - the hype would be incredible!
Posts: 10407 | From: Erlanger, Ky. USA | Registered: Mar 2000
| IP: Logged
|
|
boomdaddy
Player
Member # 2644
|
posted 02-04-2015 05:50 PM
I would like to see Kentucky play the Zags. It would be the only time I would root against Wiltjer. I don't think he could guard our guys. Would like to see him try, though.
Posts: 8791 | From: paris, ky | Registered: Mar 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
FlaCatz
Player
Member # 925
|
posted 02-04-2015 06:44 PM
I know that some of this was mentioned by others above but I wanted to put it all together and give my humble opinion....
I listened to a long discussion on KSR about Willis's playing time and why Dominique Hawkins was getting those minutes over Willis....... The discussion centered on who had the most talent, and who gave the most effort and worked hardest in practice...... Everyone agreed that Willis has the most natural talent and therefore the potential to play for money, as a professional for a very long time after he leaves Kentucky while DHawkins future as a professional would be limited....... and I am NOT talking about NBA for either one of them
But everyone agreed that DHawkins works his butt off in practice, puts in the extra time/effort that the coaches notice to get the most from his time and his talent, and that Derek Willis himself has admitted that he doesn't work as hard as he could or should and quoted him as saying, He has no one else to blame but himself.
I don't care if its,baskeball, checkers or mowing my lawn, the kid that works the hardest, and gives the most effort will get every minute I can afford......
Nobody can complain anymore that Cal doesn't play The Kentucky Kids as much..... So in this world where we as adults ALL complain that this younger generation is all the handouts over the hard work....... what is the complaint?? Or am I missing something??
For my money, and unless he changes himself, DHawkins will play, and Willis will have the best seat in the house.
-------------------- Pray for our Service Members and their families left behind!
Posts: 8880 | From: Lawrenceburg, Indiana | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged
|
|
catmandoo
Player
Member # 1284
|
posted 02-04-2015 07:25 PM
FC, Not much can be added to that! Makes sense to me. Good job.
-------------------- http://www.ukfightsong.com/
Posts: 186363 | From: st. augustine florida 32092 | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
boomdaddy
Player
Member # 2644
|
posted 02-04-2015 08:34 PM
FC,
I agree with your statement that hard work gets a lot of people ahead in life.
But, there are also people out there who are just people persons that others seem to like to be around. Those types of people can rise through the ranks of large corporations at an alarming rate of speed, compared to the nose to the grindstone types. There are also instances where dead weight is rewarded. I have even walked into discussion of top managers who all agreed that they needed to keep their best performers where they were at and promote those they could afford to lose at their current positions. That kind of thinking goes contrary to all logical thinking that if you work hard and do a good job that you will get ahead in life. It doesn't always work that way. I am not saying that hard work and honest effort don't get you ahead in life. But, people aren't always rewarded justly for their efforts all of the time.
Posts: 8791 | From: paris, ky | Registered: Mar 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
catmandoo
Player
Member # 1284
|
posted 02-05-2015 01:11 PM
A Gonzaga UK game would be fun to watch especially with Wiltjer playing for the Zags. They are a unique team but I think once we got use to their tendencies we would beat them handily.
-------------------- http://www.ukfightsong.com/
Posts: 186363 | From: st. augustine florida 32092 | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
m hamilton
Player
Member # 127
|
posted 02-05-2015 08:01 PM
A co-worker and I were discussing Willis today at work. We both agreed that playing NCAA ball at eh level of UK is an entirely different animal than playing in the 8th region of KY High school basketball!
-------------------- The potus is planning 1st major tax hike since '93 in next economic package! I still can't believe some people believed that LIAR!!!
Your whole life is determined(by) 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you handle it!!!
Posts: 127896 | From: vevay, IN USA | Registered: Sep 1999
| IP: Logged
|
|
catmandoo
Player
Member # 1284
|
posted 02-05-2015 08:06 PM
I don't think anyone in their right mind would disagree that the eighth region of high school basketball could hang with teams of UK's caliber.
-------------------- http://www.ukfightsong.com/
Posts: 186363 | From: st. augustine florida 32092 | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
m hamilton
Player
Member # 127
|
posted 02-05-2015 08:38 PM
It usually isn't loaded with the type of talent that competes at the highest level. Scott County was the last team out of the 8th region to win a state title in KY!
-------------------- The potus is planning 1st major tax hike since '93 in next economic package! I still can't believe some people believed that LIAR!!!
Your whole life is determined(by) 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you handle it!!!
Posts: 127896 | From: vevay, IN USA | Registered: Sep 1999
| IP: Logged
|
|
FlaCatz
Player
Member # 925
|
posted 02-05-2015 08:42 PM
G-B, COULD IT BE FEW KNOWS HOW TO PUT HIM IN A POSTION TO SUCCEED?
Kyle Wiltjer is a Great Kid, A very good Shot, and I watch every Gonzaga game I can. Once a CAT Always a CAT... and I wish him nothing but the very best in anything he pursues and everything he does.......
But Mark Few knows absolutely NOTHING about helping Kyle Wiltjer succeed that Kyle Wiltjer did not already know for himself...... The exposure/playing time he is getting in Gonzaga is all a result of Kyle looking at the Kentucky machine that has 9 McDonalds All-Americans of which each and every one knows he is currently being recruited OVER.... Where and when would Kyle get his minutes?? There is no option for a 2 1/2 Platoon system?? Kyle is the absolute BEST shooter on Gonzagas only platoon....
Kyle is the BEST shooter on the #2 ranked team in the polls........But I fear he would have been the #3 shooting guard on the #1 ranked team in the Country......
Mark Few didn't have to know anything other than that the basketball Gods gave him a huge present, in Kyle Wiltjer.... Is he the STAR on the team? No, but his TEAM is #2 in the country, he'd be stupid not to play him....
And I will say this right now, that Andrew, Aaron, and Devin will all be drafted in to the NBA before Kyle....... JMHO [ 02-05-2015, 08:46 PM: Message edited by: FlaCatz ]
-------------------- Pray for our Service Members and their families left behind!
Posts: 8880 | From: Lawrenceburg, Indiana | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged
|
|
catmandoo
Player
Member # 1284
|
posted 02-05-2015 08:48 PM
Scott County won the championship back in 2007
-------------------- http://www.ukfightsong.com/
Posts: 186363 | From: st. augustine florida 32092 | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
catmandoo
Player
Member # 1284
|
posted 02-05-2015 08:50 PM
I think Covington Catholic won the championship last year.
-------------------- http://www.ukfightsong.com/
Posts: 186363 | From: st. augustine florida 32092 | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
catmandoo
Player
Member # 1284
|
posted 02-05-2015 08:53 PM
FC, I don't think you mean Kyle would have been a shooting guard at 6'11". It would have been interesting however to know how Cal would have used him on this team.
-------------------- http://www.ukfightsong.com/
Posts: 186363 | From: st. augustine florida 32092 | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
FlaCatz
Player
Member # 925
|
posted 02-05-2015 09:26 PM
With Cals offensive dribble/drive offensive action and requirement for active helpside defense I did not see Kyle, Athletically with a shot at the floor against Trey Lyles, Kaarl Anthony Towns, Marcus Lee, Alex Poythress, Dakari Johnson, and Willie filling the over 6'9" front court. With Dakari as the ONLY player listed as a Center, to me with so many big swing men, who can handle the ball, I consider the 2-3 and for the fluid 3-4 almost interchangeable depending on whether you have the horses for the boards and or defensive presence. I was seeing his best shot at PT as a long shooter..... With the Zags, they get a 2-3-4 all rolled into one.. As an individual position talent, he was never higher than #2 and typically #3 vs. the current CATS roster..... If that makes sense... [ 02-05-2015, 09:30 PM: Message edited by: FlaCatz ]
-------------------- Pray for our Service Members and their families left behind!
Posts: 8880 | From: Lawrenceburg, Indiana | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged
|
|
catmandoo
Player
Member # 1284
|
posted 02-05-2015 10:10 PM
FC I see what your saying for the Zags on defense. He could play on a wing or even out front. On offense if teams play a zone he could play out front too but I can't see him playing as a point or shooting guard on offense as with his lack of speed and mobility they would pick his pocket every time he touched the ball. You have seen him play of late so maybe I am missing something. Do you really think he could play against the speed of our guards?
-------------------- http://www.ukfightsong.com/
Posts: 186363 | From: st. augustine florida 32092 | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
FlaCatz
Player
Member # 925
|
posted 02-05-2015 11:37 PM
Absolutely not,,,, nor against most of the guards that our guards play against.... Someone mentioned it above that the opponents he faces with Gonzaga on a game to game basis are no where near the talent he would be facing here, in practice and in games...... There he is a multi-faceted threat from everywhere on the floor EXCEPT the point.... There he can slip off a screen and at 6'11 shoot over most 2s-3s-4s switching off opposite him... At 6'11", although not a beast is still able to go inside and put one over or off the glass.. He is a complete shooter, from EVERYWHERE. I just see him as more effective with more options available there.
-------------------- Pray for our Service Members and their families left behind!
Posts: 8880 | From: Lawrenceburg, Indiana | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged
|
|
Green-Bean
Player
Member # 13551
|
posted 02-06-2015 05:45 AM
quote: Originally posted by FlaCatz: G-B, COULD IT BE FEW KNOWS HOW TO PUT HIM IN A POSTION TO SUCCEED?
Kyle Wiltjer is a Great Kid, A very good Shot, and I watch every Gonzaga game I can. Once a CAT Always a CAT... and I wish him nothing but the very best in anything he pursues and everything he does.......
But Mark Few knows absolutely NOTHING about helping Kyle Wiltjer succeed that Kyle Wiltjer did not already know for himself...... The exposure/playing time he is getting in Gonzaga is all a result of Kyle looking at the Kentucky machine that has 9 McDonalds All-Americans of which each and every one knows he is currently being recruited OVER.... Where and when would Kyle get his minutes?? There is no option for a 2 1/2 Platoon system?? Kyle is the absolute BEST shooter on Gonzagas only platoon....
Kyle is the BEST shooter on the #2 ranked team in the polls........But I fear he would have been the #3 shooting guard on the #1 ranked team in the Country......
Mark Few didn't have to know anything other than that the basketball Gods gave him a huge present, in Kyle Wiltjer.... Is he the STAR on the team? No, but his TEAM is #2 in the country, he'd be stupid not to play him....
And I will say this right now, that Andrew, Aaron, and Devin will all be drafted in to the NBA before Kyle....... JMHO
WELL FLACATZ U ARE ENTITLED TO YOUR OPINION, TO BAD I GUESS, YOU ARE JUST WRONG. BUT CARRY ON.
-------------------- I was Born A Wildcat! That's All I'll Ever Be!
Posts: 2290 | From: Newport Ky. | Registered: Mar 2014
| IP: Logged
|
|
Green-Bean
Player
Member # 13551
|
posted 02-06-2015 07:17 AM
quote: Originally posted by FlaCatz: G-B, COULD IT BE FEW KNOWS HOW TO PUT HIM IN A POSTION TO SUCCEED?
Kyle Wiltjer is a Great Kid, A very good Shot, and I watch every Gonzaga game I can. Once a CAT Always a CAT... and I wish him nothing but the very best in anything he pursues and everything he does.......
But Mark Few knows absolutely NOTHING about helping Kyle Wiltjer succeed that Kyle Wiltjer did not already know for himself...... The exposure/playing time he is getting in Gonzaga is all a result of Kyle looking at the Kentucky machine that has 9 McDonalds All-Americans of which each and every one knows he is currently being recruited OVER.... Where and when would Kyle get his minutes?? There is no option for a 2 1/2 Platoon system?? Kyle is the absolute BEST shooter on Gonzagas only platoon....
Kyle is the BEST shooter on the #2 ranked team in the polls........But I fear he would have been the #3 shooting guard on the #1 ranked team in the Country......
Mark Few didn't have to know anything other than that the basketball Gods gave him a huge present, in Kyle Wiltjer.... Is he the STAR on the team? No, but his TEAM is #2 in the country, he'd be stupid not to play him....
And I will say this right now, that Andrew, Aaron, and Devin will all be drafted in to the NBA before Kyle....... JMHO
FLA WHILE I RESPECT YOUR OPINION, WHY TAKE JUST ONE LINE OUT OF MY POST, AND CUT IT APART, THAT IS WHAT THE LEFT WING DEMS, DOES TOO THE REPUBS, TAKING A LINE OUT OF CONTEXT, AND CUTTING IT UP, BUT THAT IS FINE, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO YOUR OWN OPINION BUT NO ONE IS ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN FACTS! AND I WILL STICK TO MY GUNS THAT FEW KNOWS BETTER HOW TO USE WILTJER, BETTER THAN CAL, DID, THAT BEING SAID CARRY ON, SOLDIER!! ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
-------------------- I was Born A Wildcat! That's All I'll Ever Be!
Posts: 2290 | From: Newport Ky. | Registered: Mar 2014
| IP: Logged
|
|
Green-Bean
Player
Member # 13551
|
posted 02-06-2015 07:20 AM
quote: Originally posted by Green-Bean: quote: Originally posted by FlaCatz: G-B, COULD IT BE FEW KNOWS HOW TO PUT HIM IN A POSTION TO SUCCEED?
Kyle Wiltjer is a Great Kid, A very good Shot, and I watch every Gonzaga game I can. Once a CAT Always a CAT... and I wish him nothing but the very best in anything he pursues and everything he does.......
But Mark Few knows absolutely NOTHING about helping Kyle Wiltjer succeed that Kyle Wiltjer did not already know for himself...... The exposure/playing time he is getting in Gonzaga is all a result of Kyle looking at the Kentucky machine that has 9 McDonalds All-Americans of which each and every one knows he is currently being recruited OVER.... Where and when would Kyle get his minutes?? There is no option for a 2 1/2 Platoon system?? Kyle is the absolute BEST shooter on Gonzagas only platoon....
Kyle is the BEST shooter on the #2 ranked team in the polls........But I fear he would have been the #3 shooting guard on the #1 ranked team in the Country......
Mark Few didn't have to know anything other than that the basketball Gods gave him a huge present, in Kyle Wiltjer.... Is he the STAR on the team? No, but his TEAM is #2 in the country, he'd be stupid not to play him....
And I will say this right now, that Andrew, Aaron, and Devin will all be drafted in to the NBA before Kyle....... JMHO
FLA WHILE I RESPECT YOUR OPINION, WHY TAKE JUST ONE LINE OUT OF MY POST, AND CUT IT APART, THAT IS WHAT THE LEFT WING DEMS, DOES TOO THE REPUBS, TAKING A LINE OUT OF CONTEXT, AND CUTTING IT UP, BUT THAT IS FINE, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO YOUR OWN OPINION BUT NO ONE IS ENTITLED TO THEIR OWN FACTS! AND I WILL STICK TO MY GUNS THAT FEW KNOWS BETTER HOW TO USE WILTJER, BETTER THAN CAL, DID, THAT BEING SAID CARRY ON, SOLDIER!!
FWIW I THINK U ARE TOTALLY WRONG ON MARK FEW!!!
-------------------- I was Born A Wildcat! That's All I'll Ever Be!
Posts: 2290 | From: Newport Ky. | Registered: Mar 2014
| IP: Logged
|
|
SCWC
Player
Member # 2464
|
posted 02-06-2015 08:16 AM
I think some of our posters are selling Mark Few short as a coach. He has done a great job for a very small school (Gonzaga) for a long time now. I think Few Knows basketball about as well as any of the coaches in Division one basketball today. He does not get the high level Mickey D players UK and other big name schools get but he does a great job of developing his talent and winning a lot of games for his school. I think he has worked wonders for Kyle Wiltjer, restored his faith in his game and made him a darn good college basketball player, something I don't think we would ever have seen had Kyle stayed at UK. Cal gets nothing but top notch talent, players that require very little coaching and are about as developed talent wise when he gets them as they are when they leave the program. I am happy Cal is our coach but he does not WALK ON WATER like some of our posters seem to feel he does. Cal is about as good as it comes when it comes to recruiting but I have never considered him a great developer of talent. JMHO. [ 02-06-2015, 08:19 AM: Message edited by: SCWC ]
Posts: 17777 | From: Myrtle Beach, SC | Registered: Jun 2005
| IP: Logged
|
|
boomdaddy
Player
Member # 2644
|
posted 02-06-2015 10:34 AM
quote: Originally posted by SCWC: I think some of our posters are selling Mark Few short as a coach. He has done a great job for a very small school (Gonzaga) for a long time now. I think Few Knows basketball about as well as any of the coaches in Division one basketball today. He does not get the high level Mickey D players UK and other big name schools get but he does a great job of developing his talent and winning a lot of games for his school. I think he has worked wonders for Kyle Wiltjer, restored his faith in his game and made him a darn good college basketball player, something I don't think we would ever have seen had Kyle stayed at UK. Cal gets nothing but top notch talent, players that require very little coaching and are about as developed talent wise when he gets them as they are when they leave the program. I am happy Cal is our coach but he does not WALK ON WATER like some of our posters seem to feel he does. Cal is about as good as it comes when it comes to recruiting but I have never considered him a great developer of talent. JMHO.
I disagree with your assessment of Cal. If you compare Cal's record to everyone else that has ever coached at Kentucky, yes he does walk on water. He gets the most out of freshmen and sophomores who are not used to sharing minutes, much less the basketball. We all have opinions. Mine happens to be that Cal is one of the best in the game at developing talent. Just because he took a chance on a kid that didn't pan out, doesn't mean that he doesn't know what he is doing. The Zags have a better system for Wiltjer to play in. Good for him. But, if Kyle really wanted to make a pro team, he could have stayed and worked on his pro game at Kentucky, instead of his college game at Gonzaga.
I do agree that Few is a great coach. However, I attest that his team is over rated and hasn't faced the competition that a lot of the other teams in the top 10 have.
Posts: 8791 | From: paris, ky | Registered: Mar 2006
| IP: Logged
|
|
PaulCat
Player
Member # 513
|
posted 02-06-2015 11:04 AM
And I don't think Cal just kicks them out of the program like that guy down in Louisville. Cal would've let Kyle graduate here if that's what he wanted. I remember Cal telling Michael Porter that he would have a scholarship if he wanted to stay on the team. Porter chose to leave, just like Kyle. Pitino just boots them off and says good luck. Remember Rod Rhodes?
As for developing talent, all one has to do is look at Josh Harrelson. He went from bench player to NBA draft pick, and I think he owes that to Cal.
Posts: 10407 | From: Erlanger, Ky. USA | Registered: Mar 2000
| IP: Logged
|
|
catmandoo
Player
Member # 1284
|
posted 02-06-2015 11:16 AM
Ray, well said as he is the best recruiter in basketball and "no one" comes close. He wins a ton of games with a high win percentage but if you are honest Cal has not been able to close the deal but one time in all these years with a bevy of very talented basketball players.
UMass Lou Roe (30th, 1995 NBA Draft) Marcus Camby (2nd, 1996 NBA Draft) Lari Ketner (2nd round, 49th pick, 1996 NBA Draft)
Memphis Dajuan Wagner (6th, 2002 NBA Draft) Earl Barron (Undrafted, 2003 NBA Draft) Antonio Burks (36th, 2004 NBA Draft) Shawne Williams (17th, 2006 NBA Draft) Rodney Carney (16th, 2006 NBA Draft) Darius Washington, Jr. (Undrafted, 2006) Derrick Rose (1st, 2008 NBA Draft) Joey Dorsey (33rd, 2008 NBA Draft) Chris Douglas-Roberts (40th, 2008 NBA Draft) Tyreke Evans (4th, 2009 NBA Draft) Robert Dozier (60th, 2009 NBA Draft)
Kentucky John Wall (1st, 2010 NBA Draft) DeMarcus Cousins (5th, 2010 NBA Draft) Patrick Patterson -- (14th, 2010 NBA Draft) Eric Bledsoe (18th, 2010 NBA Draft) Daniel Orton (29th, 2010 NBA Draft) Brandon Knight (8th, 2011 NBA Draft) Josh Harrellson (45th, 2011 NBA Draft) DeAndre Liggins (53rd, 2011 NBA Draft) Anthony Davis (1st, 2012 NBA Draft) Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (2nd, 2012 NBA Draft) Terrence Jones (18th, 2012 NBA Draft) Marquis Teague (29th, 2012 NBA Draft) Doron Lamb (42nd, 2012 NBA Draft) Darius Miller (46th, 2012 NBA Draft) Nerlens Noel (6th, 2013 NBA Draft) Archie Goodwin (29th, 2013 NBA Draft) Julius Randle (7th, 2014 NBA Draft) James Young (17th, 2014 NBA Draft)
Games 1991-92 Massachusetts 35 (#4) 1993-94 Massachusetts 35 (#2) 1994-95 Massachusetts 34 (#6) 1995-96 Massachusetts 37 (#2) 2000-01 Memphis 36 (#5) 2001-02 Memphis 36 (#4) 2004-05 Memphis 38 (#2) 2005-06 Memphis 37 (#4) 2006-07 Memphis 37 (#5) 2007-08 Memphis 40 (#1) 2008-09 Memphis 37 (#8) 2009-10 Kentucky 38 (#2) 2010-11 Kentucky 38 (#5) 2011-12 Kentucky 40 (#1) 2013-14 Kentucky 40 (#1) Career 796 (#61)
Wins 1991-92 Massachusetts 30 (#2) 1993-94 Massachusetts 28 (#6) 1994-95 Massachusetts 29 (#3) 1995-96 Massachusetts 35 (#1) 2005-06 Memphis 33 (#1) 2006-07 Memphis 33 (#3) 2007-08 Memphis 38 (#1) 2008-09 Memphis 33 (#2) 2009-10 Kentucky 35 (#1) 2010-11 Kentucky 29 (#10) 2011-12 Kentucky 38 (#1) 2013-14 Kentucky 29 (#10) 2014-15 Kentucky 22 (#2) Career 619 (#28)
Win-Loss Percentage 1991-92 Massachusetts .857 (#5) 1994-95 Massachusetts .853 (#3) 1995-96 Massachusetts .946 (#1) 2005-06 Memphis .892 (#2) 2006-07 Memphis .892 (#2) 2007-08 Memphis .950 (#1) 2008-09 Memphis .892 (#2) 2009-10 Kentucky .921 (#1) 2011-12 Kentucky .950 (#1) 2014-15 Kentucky 1.000 (#1) Career .778 (#15)
I think Cal's years as our coach has been fantastic and wouldn't change them for any other programs success over the same span at UK. It's been fun watching all the talent he has brought to the Kentucky program as each and every one of them has not only been great on the court but off the court as well and you can't do any better than that. I just hope stays a lot longer, wins a lot games games and gets number 9 for our Cats and number 2 for his resume.
-------------------- http://www.ukfightsong.com/
Posts: 186363 | From: st. augustine florida 32092 | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged
|
|
|