Strait Recruiting: Is Derek Willis a good fit for Kentucky?

Derek Willis, one of Kentucky’s top prospects, has received a scholarship offer from John Calipari. The Bullitt East forward is a highly skilled big man that is coveted by several high-major universities. We spoke to Rick Broering, a recruiting analyst at Rivals.com, who has seen Willis play for several years about Willis’ game and where Kentucky stands in their efforts to land the home-state product.

Broering’s take on Willis’ game…

“Derek is extremely unique in the fact that he’s a legit 6-foot-8, but he’s very skilled. He can impact the game in so many ways because of his versatility. Not be cliche, but he certainly fits into that buzz-term that has grown so popular, “point-forward.” He really shoots it well from the outside, can handle it on the perimeter and is a good passer. At his size, he’s a very intriguing prospect.”

On Willis’s recent explosion on the recruiting scene…

“I don’t know that he’s really improved in a specific area other than the natural development that all players go through. If anything, he’s become more coordinated and skilled as he’s started to grow into his body. The only reason he’s blown up so quick though, is because scouts didn’t go watch him. He played at Bullitt East and for a small Kentucky Elite AAU team, until this year when he switched to BA Hoyas. When he committed, and you can go back on twitter and look at this, I said that it was a huge get for Purdue. He was very good as a sophomore already, but no one watched him. When a kid commits to a high-profile team like Purdue though, the scouts want to come check him out. That’s why his stock has soared.”

On how Willis stacks up to past Kentucky prospects…

“Tough to say as far as all-time. That stuff is all opinionated anyway but I’d say he’s definitely the best prospect we’ve seen in the last few years.”

On how Willis fits in Calipari’s offense…

“I think he fits in very, very well with Cal’s offense. He can play multiple positions, defend multiple positions and still add size to the team regardless of where he’s playing. The dribble-drive offense would be great for him because of his skills and ability to handle the basketball. He’s a match-up nightmare.”

If Willis appearing at Louisville instead of BBM means anything…

“Not really. Some kids want the show and to be a part of the event. Others want to learn about the school and get quality one-on-one time with the coaches.”

On potential impact Willis could have at Kentucky…

“He’d be another very talented, versatile recruit that’d be capable of making an immediate impact.”

Where Kentucky stands with Willis…

“I think Kentucky is certainly in the mix. Any time you are a Kentucky kid and the two big Kentucky schools come after you, it’s tough to leave the state. Louisville or Kentucky would certainly make a lot of sense but Indiana and Purdue are in the mix there too. It’s too early to know where he’ll choose. He’s still letting the process play out.”

We want to thank Rick Broering for his time and efforts. Broering follows the national recruiting scene and is also the main contributor for Xavier’s Rivals site, MusketeerScoop.com.