Derek Willis ' high school coach told him a scholarship offer from Purdue might be forthcoming.

So when Matt Painter extended said offer to the 6-foot-9 junior-to-be forward from Bluitt East High School in Kentucky, Willis was ready.

By the time he left campus, he was ready to commit, and did.

"This wasn't a whim at all," Bullitt East coach Troy Barr said.

Shortly after leaving Mackey Arena, Willis called Painter to commit, making him the fourth and possibly final piece of what will be regarded as an outstanding 2013 class.

"It just felt right," Willis said. "I just went with my gut."

Willis was also drawing early interest from Kentucky, Louisville, Xavier and Oklahoma State, among others, but jumped on his first offer following his second trip to West Lafayette, the first coming for the Boilermakers' win over Michigan State this past season.

As a player, Willis projects as a power forward.

"But he can play anywhere on the floor," Barr said. "He was our backup point guard, too."

As a sophomore, Willis averaged 14 points per game, on a team with five double-digit scorers, and averaged double-digit rebounds. He blocked more than 150 shots and shot 40 percent from three-point range.

Barr said passing may be Willis' "best attribute."

"Purdue said I play like Robbie Hummel ," Willis said.

Click Here to view this Link.

For the best Purdue team and recruiting coverage out there, click here.

Click Here to view this Link.