Kentucky Basketball: A Farewell to The Seniors

Derek Willis

Mt. Washington, Kentucky

Homegrown

Nobody had the ability to get the crowd to their feet like Derek Willis knocking down a three off a pick-and-pop. A dominant force in the state of Kentucky from Bullitt East, Derek Willis came in a 6-9, lanky shooter.

It’s incredible now that we’re at end of his career at Kentucky to see the progression of his skill set. Confidence was always an issue for Willis through his first two seasons, but his junior and senior season, he stroked the ball with pure self-assurance in his game. His three-point presence was so key in opening the driving lanes for the likes of De’Aaron Fox and Tyler Ulis.

Offensive Star

A career 40 percent three-point shooter, Derek Willis was one of the most efficient shooters of the Calipari Era. It’s not just his shooting that defines his game, showing flashes of the ability to put the ball on the floor to create his own shots.

Willis had a few bumps and was given a hard time by Coach Cal along the way, but he came out a legit offensive threat. His sneaky athleticism and seemingly improved defense will prove valuable if he makes a summer league roster. Good luck to Derek and his future wife, Keely, as he will be a legend in Lexington for years to come.