Deandre Liggins’ toughness is helping UK with an added dimension. Demarcus Cousins is not the only player diving on the court and sacrificing for the team. Of all players, Liggins was the least likely guy to become the scrapper and defender on the team in my opinion. Frankly, I’m shocked how Calipari can get some players to do certain things.
I think he shows players a certain level of respect they’re not used to seeing from other coaches. Some fans criticize John Calipari for letting his players mouth off and show emotion on the sidelines, but I believe they appreciate the respect he gives them. He gives them more freedom than many other coaches and it creates a mutual respect between the players and coach. This is a unique coaching gift that Calipari uses consistently.
Deandre Liggins was on the edge of quitting basketball or transferring out after a rough start with Billy Gillispie. Thank God Gillispie was fired and Deandre stayed on the team. That alone shows a certain toughness the kid possesses as a young collegiate athlete. He did come from the streets of Chicago so lets say he’s probably seen worse that a tough coach giving him hell.
This is the added dimension this team needed. When Liggins comes in the game, players start hustling more and diving on the floor. Demarcus Cousins and Liggins are showing leadership that most Freshman don’t usually show on a team. Liggins is only a sophomore, but he looks like a veteran on the court and he seems to know how to make a play whether it be a pass or shot when the ball is in his hands.
I love the fact that Deandre said he loves UK because of the fans. He commented that he loves the cheers he gets whenever his name is called even though he may be in the coach’s doghouse. He bleeds blue and will always be a revered Kentucky Wildcat.
