Sources: Mychal Mulder will sign with UK

[Joneslab]

Speaking of Duke, until late they basically played 7 guys this year, he would have seen minutes under Coach K had he been on that team.

Not sure who he would've played over. Certainly not Justise Winslow. After Sulaimon was dismissed Matt Jones and Grayson Allen rotated at the guard positon. One could maybe make an argument that Willis could've gotten minutes over Grayson Allen but I highly doubt it. (Allen averaged 9 minutes a game, which is about Dominique Hawkins territory.)

Duke's just like Kentucky. Everybody they play is a McDonald's All-American and it's been that way virtually for years.

[GOCAT15]

If Willis came to Kentucky thinking he was gonna get on the court for any substantial amount of time without working his tail off every day, whether it be the season or the off season he is the one with a low IQ. He knew Cal's track record, and also knew there was a chance that every year he may recruit enough studs that would play over him. He had to come in accepting that, I'm not saying he's not a decent player, and probably would get a lot of PT at other D-1 schools, but he isn't going to play over a James Young, Booker, Harrisons, etc.....

With that said, this year is his chance, and may be his last to make an impression and become and itegral part to this team. It's not going to be easy, but there will be minutes available, but there are still enough options that if he doesn't perform he still will ride the bench.

I'm rooting for him and Hawkins.

[Blue Heaven]

I'm rooting for him and Hawkins.

They both, as of now, have a hell of an opportunity ahead of them. I'm not worried at all about Dominique. I so want Willis to be something. He kind of has that Tayshaun demeanor. But Tay was a quiet killer. I'll take the quietness. Just show me the love of the game.

[J.Jennings]

If Willis came to Kentucky thinking he was gonna get on the court for any substantial amount of time without working his tail off every day, whether it be the season or the off season he is the one with a low IQ. He knew Cal's track record, and also knew there was a chance that every year he may recruit enough studs that would play over him. He had to come in accepting that, I'm not saying he's not a decent player, and probably would get a lot of PT at other D-1 schools, but he isn't going to play over a James Young, Booker, Harrisons, etc.....

With that said, this year is his chance, and may be his last to make an impression and become and itegral part to this team. It's not going to be easy, but there will be minutes available, but there are still enough options that if he doesn't perform he still will ride the bench.

I'm rooting for him and Hawkins.

But here's the thing about Willis that I like. If he became discouraged last season after getting clock early on only to be stationed at the end of the bench as the season went on, it tells me he's a competitor and in his own mind he believes he is good enough to play. It would be very easy for him to keep his mouth shut and just be thankful to be on the team. Coming to Kentucky I think Willis truly believed he was good enough to earn time and that's a good thing. Would much rather have a player "who believes" than a player who doesn't believe. I don't think Willis is stupid at all and like Ulis has said, both Willis and Hawkins are going to surprise a whole lot of people.

[J.Jennings]

Not sure who he would've played over. Certainly not Justise Winslow. After Sulaimon was dismissed Matt Jones and Grayson Allen rotated at the guard positon. One could maybe make an argument that Willis could've gotten minutes over Grayson Allen but I highly doubt it. (Allen averaged 9 minutes a game, which is about Dominique Hawkins territory.)

Duke's just like Kentucky. Everybody they play is a McDonald's All-American and it's been that way virtually for years.

Of course he's not playing over Winslow and who is?. Still, probably could have found some minutes on that particular team.

[KevinHall]

Of course he's not playing over Winslow and who is?. Still, probably could have found some minutes on that particular team.

Not likely. Coach K normally only plays 7 even when has the talent to go deeper. Allen only played more at the end after Sulaimon was kicked off the team.

[Joneslab]

You really have to look hard to find anybody Coach K has played in recent history who hasn't been a five-star top 50 player.

The closest I can think of to Derek Willis would be Tyler Thornton. He was ranked 140th and averaged about 4 points a game two years ago.

North Carolina, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky--all pretty close to each other in terms of the kinds of players they recruit and how good you have to be to crack the rotation.

[J.Jennings]

Not likely. Coach K normally only plays 7 even when has the talent to go deeper. Allen only played more at the end after Sulaimon was kicked off the team.

Who knows really?

[teamchemistry15]

After this I'm done regarding Derek Willis because I am not going to budge on my opinion and don't expect Jworld to either. For the record, I think and have stated that he has the potential but not the mentality. I don't see him putting in the work this summer to get better on his own. But he shouldn't have played over anyone on our team the last two years. If you don't believe me just check the results. A championship game and final four without him. Sure, he played well in the Bahamas, but did he play better than Lyles or WCS who didnt play then? No way. This is his opportunity to get some minutes but he has to improve this summer. Either work on ball handling to play the 3 or bulk up and develop a low post move to play the 4. He has the potential but if he has the mentality is up in the air. We will find out come October. I certainly hope he is the next Baker, Sparks, Mills etc but I just dont see it. I hope I am wrong.

[J.Jennings]

After this I'm done regarding Derek Willis because I am not going to budge on my opinion and don't expect Jworld to either. For the record, I think and have stated that he has the potential but not the mentality. I don't see him putting in the work this summer to get better on his own. But he shouldn't have played over anyone on our team the last two years. If you don't believe me just check the results. A championship game and final four without him. Sure, he played well in the Bahamas, but did he play better than Lyles or WCS who didnt play then? No way. This is his opportunity to get some minutes but he has to improve this summer. Either work on ball handling to play the 3 or bulk up and develop a low post move to play the 4. He has the potential but if he has the mentality is up in the air. We will find out come October. I certainly hope he is the next Baker, Sparks, Mills etc but I just dont see it. I hope I am wrong.

Not going to argue on this and I agree, not a lot of minutes this past season for Willis but this year could be different. No doubt in my mind he has the skill to handle the ball comfortably but playing in the paint is another story. Based on our team needs, we may actually need to Willis to do a little bit of both....

We shall see.........

[KevinHall]

Who knows really?

Only the shadow knows..........