Kentucky Basketball: DeAndre Liggins And The Legacy Of The Suffocats
by Glenn Logan on Jan 2, 2011 1:06 PM EST
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Rick Bozich had a piece yesterday that I thought deserved some extra commentary. In it, Bozich recognizes what many do not, that the guys most responsible for Kentucky's victory yesterday were not the guys that appear in the CBS pre-game trailers.
One thing that the media does every year is focus on one or two players from every team to be the face of that team. For Kentucky, Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones are those faces. Jones is leading Kentucky in scoring and rebounding as a freshman, and his accolades are certainly well deserved for his on-court results.
Knight gets a lot of the focus because he is extremely easy to love, and to write about. An outstanding student as well as an outstanding student-athlete, Brandon Knight is one of those players that helps all college basketball fans, not just Kentucky fans, get past some of the high-profile ineligibilities for bad grades, gyrations to obtain eligibility in the first place, and bad team grades.
Knight is a parent's dream in the macro sense -- a son who excels at every endeavor he attempts and is driven to succeed by a competitive spirit that will not be swallowed up by the girls, hype and pageantry of major college basketball. He is the poster-child for NCAA basketball that we all want to see, and I know we are all very happy to see him there.
Nobody but a dedicated UK fan could love DeAndre Liggins. He is the antithesis of Knight; a player who struggled to qualify for college, struggled to maintain his eligibility, fought with coaches, and has served one semester of his precious four years of eligibility on the bench for unspecified reasons.
Consider this paragraph from Bozich's piece above:
Liggins swallowed Siva with his length, quickness and dedication to the task. Siva plays his best when he can wiggle into the lane, draw double teams and toss the ball to Preston Knowles or Kyle Kuric. Liggins erased that plan — and the Cardinals' offensive rhythm.
It's hard to love DeAndre Liggins, he of the refusal to play in Vegas three years ago. He of the suspension last year. He of the formerly inconsistent play and former turnover machine. The guy who couldn't beat out Michael Porter for the point guard job despite far superior skills. He of the unrealized expectations and surly demeanor. Liggins came from the mean streets of Chicago raised in the projects by his grandmother with some baggage and some attitude.
I'm singing his praises for just that reason. This kid has turned his basketball life around in ways that, while not as spectacular as that of Harrellson when it comes to talent and expectations, is still a marvel considering his life circumstances. He went from being a kid with a chip on his shoulder to an adult who does not react at all when fouled hard, pushed, kicked or slapped. At all. He is like a machine, a defensive Juggernaut that can score when needed. Foes will learn to fear him, especially after what he did to the talented Siva.
Liggins attacks his task with unusual single-mindedness. He does not lose his assignment. He throws himself after every loose ball, whether he pries it free or not. He helps on defense when he can, but he doesn't lose sight of his primary assignment, which is usually the other team's best player. He shares the ball with his teammates on offense, and focuses on setting them up or rebounding the ball.
But the most amazing thing is his utter aplomb in respond to provocation. When somebody fouls him hard, he rarely changes expression. He never strikes back. He never woofs, shoves, bumps, or approaches a foe in a threatening manner. Nobody gets to him, ever.
Even after a dangerous foul at the end of the Louisville game, the reaction from Liggins was to look askance at the referee who ignored it and indicate Terrence Jennings, who committed what was surely an intentional and arguably even flagrant foul. With no interest forthcoming from the official, Liggins just shrugged and walked up the floor. He is among the most unflappable players I have ever seen, and the transformation from his former persona is astonishing, even a little scary.
Liggins doesn't look menacing at first, but after he holds your quickest, most talented player to 2-8 from the field, Liggins must seem 6'10" with the quickness of a guard and the wingspan of a condor. Liggins looks to me like the reincarnation of one of the Suffocats. He is playing the kind of defense Cliff Hawkins and Chuck Hayes et. al. made so famous back in 2002-03, throttling their opponents not with overwhelming emotion, but with precision, effort, skill, and a complete disregard for personal safety.
Calipari will get no credit for the transformation of DeAndre Liggins, but he deserves a good bit of it. And you know that deep down inside, he is loving it more than we'll ever know.
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and for all the reasons you write about above....
I disagree and say he is very easy to love!!!
I still remember being at father son camp bcg’s first year and Bradley announcing that there was a recruit in the other gym that we needed to get to UK. The line for his autograph was just as long as Patterson’s and everyone else. We all joked we did not know who he was but we wanted his autograph just the same. Of course it was liggins, a high school senior from Chicago…
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Jan 2, 2011 1:28 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Well ...
… I did except dedicated UK fans, did I not? :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
3 yr olds
Out of 35,000 foals born every year, only 20 or so get to start in the Kentucky Derby and only 1 can win… and that is the 1 everybody remembers..but there are always a few that turn out to be really special for so many other things they achieve in their careers…. same thing here… just think of any better defensive stopper on any other team….. well, I can’t either!
Prior to
the UL game, I posted that in my opinion it would be the play of Miller, Liggins and Harrellson that would make the difference of winning or losing. Knight held it all together as he usually does but the other three played their roles very effectively. If they continue to polish their game and perform consistently, this will be a season we will always remember.
I woke up feeling BLUE this morning. It's gonna be a great day.
He is a different person
Glenn, had to take my reading glasses off and wipe my eyes as I finished your piece. must be getting sentimental
in my old age. DeAndre is not the same person now, it’s almost as if he has been reborn. He has definately redeemed himself. I love the way he responds to any kind of provocation with silence and “make you look bad” defense.
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
Will quibble only with your claim that he doesn't look menacing.
He was in incredible shape last year. Just as lean and hard and strong as could be. Didn’t think he could possibly get in better shape, but he’s even leaner and stronger-looking this year.
Like he’s pounded his body with the same kind of complete devotion to task that he brings to his defensive play.
It’s like he goes into a trance on the court and seldom comes out of it. Look at the other players, and when the clock stops, you see them relax a bit, smile, celebrate. With Liggins, you still get that stare, like… Let’s get back to it. Let’s go. I’m ready. I have a job to do.
I’m so proud of him! I hope he appreciates how truly faboulously and completely he has transformed himself, and I hope he’s very, very happy.
He’s as solid as a rock on the court. You know he’s going to give you absolutely everything he’s got, every second he’s on the court. I never doubt that. I bet Cal never doubts it. And I so glad he has Cal as a coach now, that we all have Cal. Sorry we ever inflicted he-who-shall-not-be-named on any of our boys.
If you were in a foxhole and had to pick one UK player
To be pinned down with – my pick would be DeAndre Liggins.
Nick
Liggins
would be my pick to be “pinned down with” too, but Im sure for a very different reason or scenerio than yours – lol! ;)
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Jan 4, 2011 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
Gotta love DeAndre-
He gets very little respect, gets knocked down, elbowed in the neck, pushed around, thrown into the bench, but he never backs down. And surprisingly, he never seems to retaliate. He is always the first player to throw himself onto the court after loose balls, and he just keeps on comming. He is the face of this year’s UK team… A total team player…
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
Would like to add-
I really hope DeAndre realizes how much the Big Blue Nation appreciates him…
"You are what you are and you ain't what you ain't"
One Card Chronicle fan said this:
“Liggins might be the best defensive player Louisville sees this year’.
Many foes know this in their hearts if they admit it or not.
Nick
Do U Remember The Song "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" Being From East Side Of Chicago?
http://www.gwashingtonhs.org/ That’s where Liggins went to HS on southeast side of Chicago.
Plenty of really tough areas here but that’s one of the most difficult.
Leroy ...
… was from the South side. I figure that’s close enough. :-)
I’ve been to the southeast side of Chicago by accident. It was almost the last mistake I ever made.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Never Get A Flat Tire On The Skyway
The neighborhoods are pretty rugged in that part of town.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 2, 2011 5:43 PM EST up reply actions
+1
made a wrong turn and got off the E-way. Came face-to-face with a 9mm packing young man.
by bigbill992001 on Jan 2, 2011 7:42 PM EST up reply actions
There Is No Right Part Of E St Louis
Been there many times.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 3, 2011 2:00 PM EST up reply actions
been there,Forty
worked on a construction project 40 year ago on southeast side for two years. It required constant vigilance even then just to survive. Been back several times and it’s only gotten worse. Makes DeAndre even more special to know that he has made it. Have friends who grew up on the north side and escaped. They have also grown and prospered. I call it escaping, they call it snowbirding.
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
Indeed.
His maturity is what is so striking.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Liggins
Remember the Energizer Bunny that just keeps beating that drum…boom…boom…boom
Liggins is the Wildcat’s Energizer Bunny…boom…boom…boom…
He just keeps going, and going, and going, and going, and…you get the idea.. :-)
He totally confuses the man he is guarding, and essentially makes it a five on four game, and that really is effective in the dribble-drive.
He may not score as much as some, but could easily become the MVP of this team…if not already there.
Welcome to A Sea of Blue!
I think you have a point.
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Glad you're here
You will love every minute of it.
"SPORTS"--Not interested----"CATS"--Pull up a chair,I've got all night.
Liggins is easy to love
He’s just not obvious to love since his defense doesn’t often result in the kinds of attention getting plays like blocks and steals, although he did have some great ones on Friday.
That’s some great writing Glenn, and I think it’s just a matter of time before we see a national writer do something similar – playing on the refusal to enter the game/look where he is now angle.
3 > 2, except for very large values of 2.
Thanks, JLev.
I think we will eventually see some, also
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
Overcoming
And what’s more remarkable and rewarding is that Liggins has met and apparently overcome some unusual educational challenges.
"I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes." Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
by Wild Weasel on Jan 2, 2011 6:04 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I Was Amazed He Qualified To Play As College Frosh
I don’t have that many contacts to local HS play (and recruiting) but those few that I know said No Way he would qualify.
They were wrong. I’m glad.
by FortyYearCatFan on Jan 2, 2011 7:20 PM EST up reply actions
Which is the much bigger picture IMO. Liggins is also working his way out of his difficult
living situation in Chicago. My wife grew up in Chicago…there are some of the most extreme
dangerous neighborhoods in the country. Great article, warms my heart to see this young man improve his life and his game.
Watching the game on Friday
I was drawn to watching DeAndre. There was this certain blue image on my screen constantly following the UofL #3 player which such conviction that I could not turn my focus from him. He fought for possessions on both side of the floor and I evened noticed a few times, nine players on one end of the court and the other one dribbling the ball across the half court line to set up UK offensive play. It was not Brandon crossing the line alone, it was DeAndre.
My mind reflected back to “issues” he has had since he became a Wildcat. The unhappy player, the one who sat an entire semester for reasons we never knew and even chatter about his leaving the blue. I couldn’t believe how much this player I was focused on had changed. He has fought, scratched, studied and pressed forward to be make us proud, and that makes me smile. And I am proud of him.
Blue... there is no other color to Bleed !!!
I'm with you a2d2 - I hardly watched any other UK player
When we were on the defensive end. I was mesmerized by his play and his conduct. I’m ready to say that IMO he may be the single best defensive player UK has had in recent memory.
Nick
pomeroy
for doubters, if you’re into pomeroy at all just check out who figures into louisville’s success the most to see the logic of these arguments… P. Siva at over 25% per/possession.
lock down liggins was the number one reason kentucky had so little trouble in the ville.
mostdiggity
by Thomas Mario Adams III on Jan 2, 2011 7:30 PM EST reply actions
Off Subject: Too Much Blue
Seems as though Cards’ powers that be think there was too much Blue in the Yum!
http://kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=68108
"I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes." Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
by Wild Weasel on Jan 2, 2011 8:09 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Wow.
That would be breathtakingly petty and cause for a major, lengthy, brutal mocking by A Sea of Blue.
I almost hope it happens. :-)
A Sea of Blue -- Kentucky Sports for the Discerning Fan
I find it ironic...
that a college that has so brazenly sold out to corporate interests would now contemplate enforcement of ideological purity among its season ticket holders. Just a bunch of hot air from Comrade Tom.
"He still carries a lunch bucket. What's up with that?"
by BlueCollarMan on Jan 3, 2011 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
I think more like a sore loser...
…If Louisville would have won the game, he may be bragging, “and we took their money too…hahahahahah”, who knows?
Steelers 6 rings, Wildcats 7 Banners..!! Winning never gets old...!!!!
Excellent point Vince.
I belive you may be right on the money on that one. No pun intended. ;)
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Jan 4, 2011 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
On Subject: More Liggins' Rebirth
Calipari comments:
http://kentuckysportsradio.com/?p=68118
"I bring reason to your ears, and, in language as plain as ABC, hold up truth to your eyes." Thomas Paine, December 23, 1776
by Wild Weasel on Jan 2, 2011 8:21 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Liggins joins the ranks of such UK fan favorites
as:
Larry Conley
Tommy Kron
Larry Steele
Larry Stamper
James Lee
Chuck Verderber
Charles Hurt
Jeff Brassow
Mark Pope
Ramon Harris
All of these players subordinated their games for the good of their teams. And UK fans, who know basketball when they see it, fell in love with the performance of these players of all the non-headline things that make teams winners.
I also want to mention Miller and Harrelson on this team. I know we appreciate the “suffocat” play of Liggins, but these two also do the dirty little deeds that contribute to the team this one is becoming.
Nice list jd... There's a trip down memory lane for ya!
Freddie Cowan is my nickel’s worth… :-)
If your wings don't sweep....
Liggins joins the ranks of such UK fan favorites
Now there’s a list that brings back some WONDERFUL memories!
Liggins was incredible
And he deserves every bit of the praise he is getting. To have a defensive stopper like him is a huge bonus for this team. But I will also say that Brandon Knight had an tremendous game as well and without his performance the Cats wouldn’t have won the game. I know he is one of the players the NBA scouts were there to see and it’s easy for reporters to talk about both Knight and Jones because of their talent but both played pretty well with Knight being exceptional. And that’s quite an accomplishment for two freshman playing on the road against a pretty good team in very hostile conditions.
Ah, Liggins....
I had no doubt that Liggins would never make it on the team (academics)…
Then I had no doubt he would be kicked off the team (Vegas)…
Then I had no doubt he’d never be more than a benchwarmer (Porter??)…
And then I had no doubt he’d walk away (last season).
He’s proven me wrong at every step, and I’m extremely glad he has. So I hope he doesn’t continue proving me wrong again when I say: I have no doubt he’ll be the best defender in the country this year.
We talk a lot about what Calipari does in recruiting the top notch players to come to him wherever
he is, and everyone referes to him as some sort of a Pied Piper of recruiting. No one wants to step up and admit that he is a really good coach. They all refer to not calling time outs and losing big games, and mistakenly get the opinion that all he can do is recruit. The truth of the matter is that John Calipari’s best work is coming from the kids who are not superstars. You look at what he has done with Harrellson, Liggins, Miller, and even Polson has shown some flashes of brilliance this year ( no matter how brief).
Calipari is a player’s coach for more reasons than the exposure he can get a kid. He is their kind of a coach because he understands them and can communicate with them, and he treats them the way we all would want to be treated.
Makes me all that much more mad when someone tells me that Bobby Knight or some other past icon is twice the coach that Calipari is. I hear comments like that and it just sickens me. I understand and can even empathize with those who long for days gone by when the likes of Rupp patrolled the sidelines. I appreciate every minute that every UK legend ever gave to this program. But we have the premier college coach in the world at the helm right now and he works tirelessly to keep the fans involved, keep the powers that be happy and still try to win it all. And oh yeah, he manages to get the best players of all kinds to play here. We should be saying daily prayers for what we have here folks. It is a special time for this program, and we need to appreciate it.
I am now and forever shall be The Cat In The Hat....The Artist formerly known as ABC!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Jan 3, 2011 8:22 AM EST reply actions
I agree Greg
As Glenn stated before, Coach Cal is a players coach and we UK fans are extremely fortunate to have him at the helm. I’ll be honest I was somewhat amazed when it was announced that we had hired him. This is by far the toughest coaching job in all of basketball – pro’s or college.
Nick
yes, but...
I believe that what most critics miss and what most UK fans do not realize is that Cal has grown as a coach. Maybe i am looking through blue tinted glasses, but i have seen more coaching out of Cal in his 1.5 years at UK than i did his entire 9 years at Memphis.
only one rule in my house - uk has to be your favorite college bball team
by memphis wildcat on Jan 3, 2011 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
I think he knows that the fanbase demands nothing but perfection
And he has risen to the task. He knows that it’s up to him to move the program on upward to heights not seen since the days of Rupp. And so far he is on the correct path.
Nick
Do you think that he has changed his philosophies Memphis, or has he just simply
learned his lessons?
I am now and forever shall be The Cat In The Hat....The Artist formerly known as ABC!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Jan 3, 2011 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
I mean he has admitted on more than one occasion that he made mistakes since coming here
for various situations, so is that a product of experience or is he simply coaching differently than he has before?
I am now and forever shall be The Cat In The Hat....The Artist formerly known as ABC!
by Greg Alan Edwards on Jan 3, 2011 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
Totally agree.
He has to be exhausted after each and every game. He finishes sweaty and hoarse. The man is out there coaching his ass off.
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Jan 4, 2011 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
Agree - I love Cal
I want him to stay forever and ever… and then be the mayor. :)
It is not worth an intelligent man’s time to be in the majority. By definition, there are already enough people to do that.
by kentuckygirl0724 on Jan 4, 2011 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
Imagine the love UK fans will show Josh on Senior Night.
It will be just as overwhelming for Liggins next year (if he stays!).
great piece
You captured every reason I love Liggins. The one footnote I’d add is captured in the great picture the C-J ran the next day of Liggins & Harrellson together. It’s the only time I’ve seen Liggins break character all year, and it was the biggest (maybe only) smile on him I’d ever seen. I hope each time he presses pause on the stoicism button this season it’s to enjoy the moment.
It has been a joy to watch Deandre
develop from pouting and his demotion to the very end of the bench to the monster defender of today. Last year he came out sand seemed to have 8 arms like the best spidermen, but this year he is just plain and simple LOCKDOWN.
All the best Deandre, you are a Wildcat.
have loved DL from the day he set foot in Lexington !!!
and must say, his story only makes me appreciate him more…a Great One for the likes of us here in the Old Bluegrass…he will have our heart from here on out !!!…he’s such an unselfish player, and his skills are evident just by looking at that body…how could he NOT BE an excellent athelete???…i’m very happy for him and his Grandmother!!!
"Every sweet has it's sour, every evil it's good."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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