Derek Willis is a Kentucky Wildcat
It’s official. Derek Willis, the #23 ranked player according to Rivals, is the first member of the 2013 class to commit to the Kentucky Wildcats.
Willis is a four star power forward from the state of Kentucky. Willis at one time had verbally committed to Purdue and then abruptly pulled out of his commitment. Once he opened his recruitng back up, John Calipari of Kentucky and Rick Pitino of Louisville both started recruiting Willis very hard. Both are seen in the picture directly below shaking hands at a game in which they were watching Willis.
Willis is not viewed as the usual one and done type player that coach Cal usually targets. He is a guy that will stick around for three to four years much like Kyle Wiltjer. Make no mistake about it though, Willis is very talented and athletic. He moves well with the ball and shoots it with accuracy from beyond the arch. He is the prototypical Calipari power forward. He will play as a freshman at Kentucky even if he doesn’t start. Read more about him in the original WBN recruitment profile.
It’s always nice to get the best player in the state to come to play for the Wildcats.
As Kentucky Wildcat fans are celebrating their latest victory in the recruiting battles, Louisville fans have to be shaking their heads in disgust and frustration. This is just the latest in a string of recruits coveted by Rick Pitino that John Calipari has wooed in his direction. Louisville fans may point to Chane Behanan as a recruit that chose Louisville over Kentucky. I would say to them that there wasn’t room for Behanan on the team because of the commitment of Kyle Wiltjer and the decision that was coming with Terrence Jones as he declined a chance at the NBA for another year in college.
Then they may also point to Elisha Justice as an example. If they use Justice as an example of a player that chose UofL over UK, then congrats to them. He is a walk-on. It’s not like we were crushed when Justice went the way of the Cardinal. Besides, we got Jarrod Polson, who is much better looking than Justice despite what the Card Chronicle has to say.
Sorry, Rick. Cal beat you yet again. Maybe there are some players outside of the top 50 you can still get. Maybe.
P.S. Marquis Teague
So now that Willis jumped on the 2013 train, who else does John Calipari have his sights set on? Glad you asked. Here is a list of players that Cal is interested in. (All rankings and ratings according to Rivals.com)
1. Andrew Harrison: 5 Star Guard
3. Nerlens Noel: 5 Star Center
4. Julius Randle: 5 Star Power Forward
5. Chirs Thomas: 5 Star Guard
7. Aaron Harrison: 5 Star Guard
8. Chris Walker: 5 Star Power Forward
These players are all in Rivals top 10 and have multiple other schools going after them. Calipari seems to be most interested in the Harrison twins and Nerlens Noel. It’s good to be on their lists and we all know that John Calipari will get a few of these guys to play alongside Willis.
That’s it from me. It’s been a great day in the Big Blue Nation. Enjoy this highlight of Willis lighting it up. Ignore that ugly IU banner in the background. Go Cats. Beat the Tide. Follow me on Twitter @TheStreeb