Derek Willis
Page updated as of 4/8/2020, scouting report written by Alan Lu.
2017 rankings were finalized on 6/22/2017.
Height: 6-9
Weight: 222
College: Kentucky
Classification: Senior
Birthdate: 6/21/1995
Projected Draft Range: 2nd Round to Undrafted
Pros:
Adequate shooter, especially off the catch
Adequate scorer off the dribble
Excels at scoring on the move
Fairly good playmaker
Good rebounder
Adequate defensive player that can get steals
Adequate shot blocker
Good athlete
Rock solid motor
Cons:
Streaky shooter
Lacks an elite first step off the dribble
Does not draw enough free throws
Can be a bit turnover prone
Can be too passive on offense
Can be undisciplined defensively
May not be overly explosive
May be a classic tweener
Has not seen much playing time throughout his collegiate career
Summary:
Derek Willis is an athletic, skilled combination forward that has an intriguing set of skills. He can score in a variety of ways, as his size and shooting skills can stretch the defenses, and he also can take opponents off the dribble.
On the other hand, he has not received much playing time in his first three years of his career, which may pose as a significant red flag for him as a draft prospect. He has been playing on loaded Kentucky basketball teams, but it may be now or never for him to gain traction as a draft prospect, as this will be his senior year.
Right now, he may resemble closely to former New Orleans Pelicans’ forward, James Southerland in skill set. Willis has been an effective role player on a loaded Kentucky team over the course of his career, and he could end up being a shooting specialist in the NBA.
Links:
Games Scouted:
11/15/16 Kentucky vs. Michigan State
3/31/17 Reese’s College All-Star Game
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