Kentucky Basketball: 3 things Derek Willis must do to make an NBA Roster

Feb 4, 2017; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari talks with forward Derek Willis (35) against the Florida Gators during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari talks with forward Derek Willis (35) against the Florida Gators during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Kentucky Basketball
Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Derek Willis (35) pulls in a rebound against North Carolina Tar Heels guard Nate Britt (0) in the first half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

Rebounding

Derek Willis blossomed into an above average rebounder in his last season at Kentucky. On many occasions, Willlis finished games one or two rebounds shy of ten boards. He averaged 5.4 rebounds per game in his senior campaign.

The Kentucky wing man can do a better job at becoming a powerful rebounder. In order for him to find himself on an NBA roster at the end of the summer, he will have to become an all-around player with exceptional abilities above the rim.

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The Detroit Pistons are one of the best rebounding teams in the league. Andre Drummond averages 13 boards a game. According to Basketball Reference, the Pistons were fourth in the league in rebounds per game. At 45.7 rebounds per game as a team, in order for Willis to be included, he will need to help contribute to that.

Derek is more than capable of turning some heads in the Pistons organization. Whether or not he makes a roster in the NBA or the G-League, he will give himself the best shot with the Pistons.

Schedule

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