Darrlyn Willis pf 6-8 2016 offered, A Shocker!

[ShockingButTrue]

Aren't our fives going to be Shaq & Nurger primarily?

R. Kelley is not going to end up on anyone's scouting report, based on what we've all seen. One 3 attempt every other game isn't going to stretch out any defense, anywhere, including the Valley.

[wufan]

Aren't our fives going to be Shaq & Nurger primarily?

.

I believe that is the discussion. Kelly backing up Willis, or Nurger backing up Shaq. One more reason it's likely that Willis plays significant minutes at the 5: Shaq hasn't shown he can play 25 mpg.

[Dan]

I agree we need another guy to play 5. Historically, we've had to use 3 centers purely based on foul issues. Willis is probably the best candidate, although it wouldn't surprise me to see Kelly down low. He has a decent post game, just a little undersized, but so was Carl Hall. If the role of the 4 is to stretch the defense, then McDuffie might be the best candidate, which I can see as well. I see Willis as a player more in the mold of Darius Carter (who was really a 4 but played 5 out of necessity) - maybe he doesn't shoot 3s but his jumpshot goes out 12-15 feet.

[Steeleshocker]

If Hamilton gets it this year then he might be the other option at center. Well built, athletic, strong.

I'm going to convince myself that Kelly had a sophomore slump he couldn't get out of. I have high hopes for him still.

[wu_shizzle]

If Hamilton gets it this year then he might be the other option at center. Well built, athletic, strong.

I'm going to convince myself that Kelly had a sophomore slump he couldn't get out of. I have high hopes for him still.

This would be my hope as well.

EH has so many strengths that you can't coach, my hope is that the complexities and the consistencies that coach requires would take root.

If EH could lock in, he would destroy the Valley with his size, athleticism and tenacity.

[pie n eye]

NM

[ShockingButTrue]

I agree we need another guy to play 5. Historically, we've had to use 3 centers purely based on foul issues. Willis is probably the best candidate, although it wouldn't surprise me to see Kelly down low. He has a decent post game, just a little undersized, but so was Carl Hall. If the role of the 4 is to stretch the defense, then McDuffie might be the best candidate, which I can see as well. I see Willis as a player more in the mold of Darius Carter (who was really a 4 but played 5 out of necessity) - maybe he doesn't shoot 3s but his jumpshot goes out 12-15 feet.

It would be nice if Rauno could give the team 10-15 minutes a game, but he hasn't shown it yet. Although he did give them some good minutes in the postseason with pretty good D, but so did Bush last year.

I'd be happy to see Rauno get the extra minutes mainly because it would allow the Coaches much more flexibility with lineups, depending on the opponent. Then Willis could play the position of a more natural 4 spot.

I suppose the positive of Willis playing 5 is that we could repeat last years NCAA tournament performance and just outquick the bigger lineups we would face to get where we want to go. A 12-15 foot jumper would be real nice! That'd stretch some defenses out!

It seems the McDuffie is much more of a natural 3 than a 4, although at times he did display good aggression on the glass. GGG has said more than once he likes the luxury of having 2 3's like Mac & Z. Brown. R. Kelley has one job in the rotation, and one job only (until proven otherwise), and that's to hit the boards with enthusiasim.

[ShockdaWorld]

I think at least early in the season, Rashard Kelly will be the starting 4. Willis may take that spot later in the season, but I don't think he has it at the beginning. Of course, the extra practices and summer trip could get things going that way quicker if that is indeed what 3G has in mind.

[Dan]

I agree on the statements about Eric Hamilton. If he can get his mind and body working in unison - look out. He could be a guy to take us from good to really good.

[shocka khan]

So, I'm going to restate my original opinion a little differently in order to add clarity:

Based on what I've seen, HCGM expects his 4s to shoot 3s. Rashard is capable of shooting threes enough to keep the defense honest. I have not seen anything from Willis that leads me to believe he is capable of hitting shots beyond 18 foot. Other recent 6-8 athletes that didn't shoot many threes at WSU: Anton Grady, Darius Carter, Carl Hall. While these players had some power forward skills, they mainly played the five.

I'm fine if you disagree with my assessment, but please don't tell me to watch a highlight video and then tell me I can't assess talent in consecutive posts, all the while contributing no evidence For your dissenting opinion..

"People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."

You do that all the time on other threads. In fact, you did it last week. Don't pretend you're perfect and hold others up to a standard that you cannot attain yourself.

[ShockingButTrue]

"People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."

You do that all the time on other threads. In fact, you did it last week. Don't pretend you're perfect and hold others up to a standard that you cannot attain yourself.

His 3 yr. old wasn't available

[wufan]

"People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones."

You do that all the time on other threads. In fact, you did it last week. Don't pretend you're perfect and hold others up to a standard that you cannot attain yourself.

Really? I'm game. Humble me with my hypocracy please.

[wufan]

His 3 yr. old wasn't available

This went over my head. :(

[shockmonster]

So, I'm going to restate my original opinion a little differently in order to add clarity:

Based on what I've seen, HCGM expects his 4s to shoot 3s. Rashard is capable of shooting threes enough to keep the defense honest. I have not seen anything from Willis that leads me to believe he is capable of hitting shots beyond 18 foot. Other recent 6-8 athletes that didn't shoot many threes at WSU: Anton Grady, Darius Carter, Carl Hall. While these players had some power forward skills, they mainly played the five.

Your assessment is spot on except for Rashard shooting 3's to this point. However, he may improve to be more consistent. In my opinion, Rashard, at this time lacks perimeter skills, medium range skills, and post skills on a consistent basis. He has shown the ability on occasion on all three, but he has to make a step up. His rebounding skills are probably his strong point but he isn't a dominating rebounder either. He's still a candidate to play the 4 spot but on my depth list, his level of play would be below Markis. At this point, Willis is an unknown so he would be below RK, but if RK doesn't improve, I hope that Willis steps up.

[vancedave56]

Morris, Willis and Nurger at the 5.
Kelly, Hamilton, Nurger, and Willis the 4.

Morris and Willis end up splitting time the 5.

Kelly, Hamilton, and Nurger battle it out for the 4 spot.
If they don't cut it; McDuffie to the 4.