Liggins Speaks
by JL Blue on Mar 11, 2009 5:42 PM EDT
in Basketball
59 comments
Clearly frustrated but saying he's sticking it out, DeAndre Liggins -- the coltish, talented but erratic freshman point forward for the Cats, spoke to Larry Vaught recently:
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Good link. Thanks for positng it.
Vaught’s article really sheds a lot of light on the situation. I feel bad for Liggins. It sounds like CBG has done everything possible to break this kid down and destroy his confidence. If you read the quotes from Liggins, it sounds like he’s gone…
GBB!!!
by OGETARTS on Mar 11, 2009 6:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
Except that part where he talks about maturing more next year.
by IndyCat644 on Mar 11, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting.
But not particularly encouraging.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
by Truzenzuzex on Mar 11, 2009 6:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow...
That is pretty much one of the worst things I’ve ever read. The kid really doesn’t know what’s going on.
Whether that’s his fault or the coach’s could be up to interpretation… but I hate to think that there’s a kid on our bench who honestly has no clue why he’s not playing for any reason.
Of course its difficult, its a shortcut... if it was easy it'd just be "the way."
by chirop1 on Mar 11, 2009 6:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Did you read
about Stewart never quitting? There are lots of stories yet to be told. Why were the guys NOT allowed to talk to the press?
There is nothing wrong that a string of W's wouldn't fix!
by oldcat70 on Mar 11, 2009 6:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
The story inre Stewart and, even more so, Patterson are great stories. If BCG won’t talk with the press he should let his player carry that torch for him. The Pat story sheds a light almost opposite of the handwringing and pessimism assumed by the fan base.
I’m very much encouraged by this group of articles and am much more hopeful heading into the tournament.
Go Cats!
by hoboat33 on Mar 11, 2009 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Notice
that, although Stewart said “he never quit”, he also said that he was “back on the team” after meeting with Gillespie after the argument. How in the world did he get “back on the team” if he was never “off the team”? I’m reading between the lines, but here’s what happened: Stewart was frustrated, argued with the coach, yelled something like “I’m outta here—you can have your team! I don’t want anything to do with it!” The coach reasonably interprets this to mean, “I quit”, and both the coach and player recognize that Stewart is off the team. They talk the next day, and Stewart is “back” on the team, but—in the customary human way—he represents himself as not having done the stupid deed that he did.
by Newblue on Mar 11, 2009 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
or they screamed back and forth and
then BCG says “don’t you walk out that door while I’m talking to you, if you want to be on this team…”
by Gobe Igbloo on Mar 12, 2009 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Liggins is not my favorite
But this kinda makes me feel a bit for him. Sounds like he’s learning college bball is nothing like high school and he’s got some growing up to do (not the worst thing in the world).
Hope this year was just a rough patch for him.
by uk1982 on Mar 11, 2009 6:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Just got a warning on desktop weather
Snow moving into Ky. from the west. Late tonight,all day tomorrow and Thursday night.
Looks like a good day to stay in and watch the CATS.
There is nothing wrong that a string of W's wouldn't fix!
by oldcat70 on Mar 11, 2009 6:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Liggins still needs to mature. He is focused on himself rather than working for the good of the team. If he listens and applies what the coach tells him to do with a good attitude, he will be successful.
On the All-Access TV show from the beginning of the season, Liggins is told by the coach that his personal greatness is determined only by himself. That is an empowering statement for a young person to hear from their head coach!
According to the coach, the team philosophy is play smart, play hard, and play together. Liggins needs to stop the “I’m only sitting on the bench cheering my teammates” attitude and determine his greatness on the basketball team.
by Jana98 on Mar 11, 2009 7:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
True,
but the guy is only a freshman, he should be given a little room to grow.
by bigbluefan on Mar 11, 2009 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like...
Basic Military Training. Let us not forget that Liggins, while technically an adult, is still a child. He is what 18, 19 years old? I don’t feel bad for him at all. Perhaps the Coach feels that if he is broken down, he can build him up into the player the TEAM needs him to be. Throughout the entire interview Liggins focused primarily on himself. He still needs to mature, you can be an awesome player, with tremendous talent, but if you can’t execute the gameplan you are no good to the team.
We are talking about young men here, some of these kids went to Prom last year. I don’t feel sorry for Liggins, and neither should you.
by shepslaw on Mar 11, 2009 7:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Liggins
Turns 21 this month.
He is 2 years behind his HS class.
by FortyYearCatFan on Mar 11, 2009 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
unaware!
He should be further along, maturity wise!
by bigbluefan on Mar 11, 2009 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even better
He is an immature man! Regardless, Forty, the concept I think is still the same regardless of age. I have a troop that is 26 years old, he just finished BMT and still has not figured out that we are a team. Liggins is the same, a product of our failing society.
by shepslaw on Mar 11, 2009 7:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am not surprised by that at all sheps
The 26 year old should have been in BMT from the time he was out of high school.
I may get a lot of flak from this, but since 9/11 and the Afghan war, I have thought that kids in high school should be required to be part of the ROTC program in high school. I know our military has been voluntary since after the Nam days but these kids would mature so much with just ROTC training.
Some parents these days have no idea about discipline, they just give their kids anything they want. Peer pressure is rampant just like it has always been, no different than I was in high school.
Good luck with your troop.
by kykat51 on Mar 11, 2009 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i agree with everything you said
and the same idea applies to coaching. Maybe Gillispie should be more disciplinarian when situations arise as did with Stewart and Liggins.
kykat, compare the interview with liggins, and the interview with patterson (that you posted) and they paint 2 completely different pictures and mindsets.
by uk1982 on Mar 11, 2009 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
Liggins though almost 21 is still immature. I know from what Forty has posted before that he was in the Chicago school system before he went to prep school. It may have helped his grades but not his maturation. And Forty did mention that the Chicago public school system was not good.
I have said it before about Coach G. He has a big heart and I feel he wants only the best for his players. Maybe, having a heart, is his downfall as far as giving Liggins a chance and Stewart also this season.
Patterson was mature as a freshman.
by kykat51 on Mar 11, 2009 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
mandantory basic training through one
of the four (five if you count CG) services and a two year tour would save a lot of kids these days. i can see letting those that go to college full time right out of high school because that requires dicipline to attend successfully.
Heinlen wrote a great book called Starship Troopers. I recommend it. A fantastic read.
by bluecrip on Mar 12, 2009 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm all for discipline....
But there is more than one way to teach a growing player, I’m not sure the hole “BMT” thing always works.
by bigbluefan on Mar 11, 2009 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If...
Liggins was out of the dog house now, this may be enough to put him back in.
“I am doing everything right, but he won’t put me in.”
“I am a freshman, not a senior. I am a freshman making mistakes and he keeps taking me out. I can’t learn like that.”
I don’t know how BG will view this, but it can’t be good. On the other hand, it may turn out well. If Liggins hadn’t expressed this to BG, maybe he will make more of an effort to explain his mistakes to him. Sounds like Liggins needs to learn to communicate with BG a little better, having not told him about this, as important as it is, is unacceptable.
by the spork on Mar 11, 2009 7:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Liggins
While I feel for him I think Liggins can be the poster boy for what went wrong this season. The problems with this team internally could possibly be traced to his refusal to go back into the game earlier this season. He should have been shown the door regardless of how highly recruited he was. There is simply no place for that behavior on a basketball team,especially Kentucky.
I also heard a rumor in my neck of the woods that Darius Miller is thinking about transferring. Also heard it on a Lexington sports talk show. And so it goes.
by maysvilleblue on Mar 11, 2009 8:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And these words from Patterson
http://www.amnews.com/public_html/?module=displaystory&story_id=48580&format=html
Patterson is a very mature soph and I do believe what he says in this interview.
by kykat51 on Mar 11, 2009 9:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Class Act
Players like him are few and far between, to be so young and focused. He seems like he has a good head on his shoulders.
by uk1982 on Mar 11, 2009 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ditto
i agree… i know sometimes a parent cant control what kids do AFTER they leave the house but its our job to instill in them values and char.
" I believe in pipedreams"
by Magnoliacat on Mar 12, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly what i was thinking
must have excellent parents
by uk1982 on Mar 12, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i believe it
and tomorrow afternoon, we will know if it was true….
by memphis wildcat on Mar 11, 2009 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We should all be very aware...
of how lucky we are to have PPat as a ’Cat. I am sure everyone is aware, but players like dont come along very often. His is quickly becoming one of my all time favorites.
by DeadHeadCat on Mar 11, 2009 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
A-G-R-E-E-D
I am trying to enjoy every minute of getting to see this kid play. He’s an outstanding basketball player and person.
My favorite since Derek Anderson =)
by uk1982 on Mar 11, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Much more encouraging.....
after liggins interview I had the feeling everyone was out of the loop!
by bigbluefan on Mar 12, 2009 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow....Just a couple of questions based on this verbatim interview:
1. Why would you want to recruit a kid like this? He obviously doesn’t fit in with the likes of the rest of the team.
2. Why would you allow this player to have a one-on-one interview? Why now?
3. Would a coach really want to a kid like this lead a team as point guard?
4. He may say he wants to come back, but why would you want him back?
'..when they bring a knife, you bring a gun...that's the Chicago way..'
by HozeKing on Mar 11, 2009 10:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i agree with all especially #2
2. Why would you allow this player to have a one-on-one interview? Why now?
I kinda thought the same thing when I read it.
When Patterson was asked about the incident with Liggins he said he “had a moment” and it was over and forgiven and whatnot. I hope this kid doesn’t have a lot of these so-called moments.
by uk1982 on Mar 11, 2009 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In regards to #2
Billy G can’t handle an interview, so might as well let someone talk who can.
by btcoop71 on Mar 12, 2009 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes he is
An outstanding player and rep for UK basketball.
by kykat51 on Mar 11, 2009 10:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
leading questions
I am not trying to defend Billy or make light of Liggins’ comments, but I think Vaught asked very leading questions. In fact, I think “that’s not a good question, Larry” applied to several of the questions in this interview.
For example, “Do you sometimes have a hard time figuring out what puts you in that doghouse?” that’s a leading question. The fair question is “why are you in the dog house?” Then if he doesn’t know, he will say he doesn’t know instead of Vaught putting words in his mouth.
Too many of Vaught’s questions were of the nature of , “When did you stop beating your wife?”
by StillCatwoman on Mar 11, 2009 10:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Particularly the example you cite above. It was almost like Vaught was saying “Isn’t Billy a big, bad guy? I’ll bet you don’t even know why you aren’t playing, right?” I work closely with our institutional research department, and we’d nix that question on a survey in a heartbeat.
by Acdixon on Mar 11, 2009 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not about Liggins
but….I just saw on WLEX TV that Patterson will be back next season. He told Cutler personally on camera….so we don`t need a bunch of rumors flying around. This is the best news that I`ve heard in quite a while. :-)
by String Music on Mar 11, 2009 11:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Can...
I find this on the net anywhere? Sorry, but Ill have to see it to believe it.
by the spork on Mar 12, 2009 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I`ve been searching the WLEX website
but it is not on there. I was watching tonight when Patterson told him and I can`t believe that its not out everywhere by now.
by String Music on Mar 12, 2009 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No problem
and my apologies to JL Blue for hijacking his thread with this info,but I was sooooo excited I just couldn`t help it. I`m sorry JL.
by String Music on Mar 12, 2009 1:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If true.....
the next round is on me!!!!!!!!
by bigbluefan on Mar 12, 2009 12:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Patterson returning for another year
pretty much insures that BG will return next season.
by -Zoso- on Mar 12, 2009 6:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Liggins
I think this interview shows just how much growing up Liggins still needs to do. Cant always blame others for your problems.
I believe in Billy G.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Mar 12, 2009 9:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Grow up...
Geezzz…almost EVERY pro player NEEDS to grow-up and mature..heck half of America should do the same.
" I believe in pipedreams"
by Magnoliacat on Mar 12, 2009 11:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes he needs to grow up,but..
growing up in one thing,telling his coach he aint going to play is another. If you have been playing organized bball for about all your life,and I assume Liggins has,he is mature enough to know that doing that could get you kicked off a church league team let alone a college division one team. I have a hard time getting past that and I think many,including players on the team,feel the same. He should have been outta here.
by maysvilleblue on Mar 12, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not Surprised
I never thought Patterson would leave only one-year short of a degree. Neither do I expect Meeks to depart. My best hope is that next season Orton starts at the 5 at some point near mid-season, Miller starts at the 3 and either Liggins or Vilarino at the 1. Only then and with Porter, Stevenson and Harris providing adequate backup minutes will UK be on the road to achieving its potential and we will be presented with the full scope of Gillispie’s coaching.
by Wild Weasel on Mar 12, 2009 6:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
True Indication
Reading Vaught’s questions — obviously couched in the simplest terms possible and requiring nominal response skills thus tending toward the conducive — and Liggins’ responses, it corroborates the fact that the player is a young person with special needs, requring individual attention.
by Wild Weasel on Mar 12, 2009 7:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Rumors Rampant
We’re hearing here in Tiger Country a flood of rumors concerning BCG’s verbal harassment of some, if not all, of the the players. With the abundance of talent but the seeming shortage of spirit this team has (it’s a coach’s job to inspire team spirit), there seems there may be something to this. Perry Stevenson is from my home city and just wasn’t the same player at the beginning as he was at the end. Just looking at his facial expressions makes me think something is amiss.
by CATFAN@LSU on Mar 14, 2009 10:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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