Liggins delivers on both ends of the court
Kentucky's DeAndre Liggins reacts to a 3-point basket during the second half of the final of the NCAA men's college basketball tournament East regional against North Carolina. (March 27, 2011) Credit: AP
NEWARK -- It took DeAndre Liggins less than 30 seconds to send a message -- not just to North Carolina but to everyone in Lexington who ever doubted his value.
With Kentucky holding a one-point lead, the 6-6 guard blocked Kendall Marshall's layup from behind with just over a minute remaining, then drained a three-pointer with 37 seconds left to help the fourth-seeded Wildcats to a 76-69 victory over the second-seeded Tar Heels Sunday in the NCAA East Regional final.
That put Kentucky in the Final Four -- against Connecticut -- for the first time since the Wildcats won the national title in 1998.
"When he drove past me and he thought he had a layup . . . that was a huge play," Liggins said matter-of-factly, wearing his "Final Four 2011" cap cocked to the side.
After that, the defensive-minded junior quickly changed gears, hoisting a kickout pass from Darius Miller and hitting a three-pointer to give Kentucky (29-8) a 73-69 lead.
Liggins (12 points) finished just 4-for-11 from the field, but he was invaluable down the stretch.
"I think DeAndre had the biggest shot of the game," said teammate Brandon Knight (22 points).
Just before Knight shot a pair of free throws with 19 seconds remaining, coach John Calipari called Liggins over to him on the sideline and planted a kiss on his sweaty forehead. It was a small but monumental gesture between player and coach, Calipari's way of outwardly showing affection for a player many thought would never fit into his system of one-and-done, big-time recruits.
When Calipari took over the program in 2009, he brought with him John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins and Eric Bledsoe. And the first piece of advice he received was "get rid of DeAndre." Now those same people understand why he didn't.
"He has come so far as a player, trusting people, trusting his coaches. This kid works," Calipari said. " . . . He performs. He is not afraid."
Liggins, who made only his second tournament start, credited his coach for his much-improved play.
"He defined my game greatly," he said. "He made me the player I am now and I respect him and I love him to death."
Knight was the offensive star, but it was Liggins' gritty defense and energy that impressed North Carolina coach Roy Williams.
"I love DeAndre's game. I really do . . . I thought he was marvelous," he said. "A lot of athletic kids don't have the heart and desire, and I think he is extremely important to their team."
Calipari's pregame instructions to Liggins were simple: Run the floor and make plays. And he did just that.
Said Liggins, "[This moment] just shows that, for young kids, to never give up on your dreams."
