Willie Cauley-Stein has been a staple in Lexington for the last three seasons, becoming a fan and media favorite in his time as a Kentucky Wildcat. However, after a three year run that saw him in two Final Fours and one Championship Game, he has moved on to the NBA Draft. Now, Willie Cauley-Stein is showing NBA scouts and coaches what he has shown Kentucky Wildcats fans over the last three seasons. That he is already a great player, and he is just scratching the surface of what he could be. In fact, it is that potential that has him shooting up the draft boards, now having the chance to go as high as fourth overall to the New York Knicks. Check out what they had to say about the junior center in their draft profile of Willie Cauley-Stein.
"Cauley-Stein’s defensive potential makes him an intriguing pick for any team. If Phil Jackson decides to call his name on June 25th, he’ll be expecting a player who can come to New York and make an impact with his energy and athleticism, the way Chandler did when he was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2012.Maybe not right away, but you never know – at 21 years old, Cauley-Stein’s body is much more advanced than Chandler’s was during his first few seasons in the NBA.He knows his strengths – “Right away, just energy, defense. Definitely defense.” – and he perked up when asked at the Combine about Jackson saying he was looking for a defensive big man: “I heard that. I think it’s right up my alley. That’s what I do. That’s what got me here. If you’re telling me I can go right into the league and fill a role like that, that’s great.”As a competent ball-handler and passer for his size, he certainly has the potential to develop into a Triangle fit. His athleticism, experience and three-year track record of historically elite defensive production would seem to make him a “safe” pick, but his team-first attitude and desire to be great is what could really set him apart.“My will to win is…” he said to reporters in Chicago before taking a moment to reflect, and then giggle. “I haven’t lost a lot in my life. I hate to lose.”"
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The Kentucky Wildcats big man is simply doing what he does best. Playing basketball at a high level and charming the media on a daily basis. With those two things being done at a high level, both while he was a Kentucky Wildcat and now during the NBA Draft process, Willie Cauley-Stein is helping himself heading into the 2015 NBA Draft. And with what we’re all hearing, he could hear his name called early on in the night, heading to New York to become the defensive center that the Knicks need.
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