February 13, 2010
Dear DeAndre Liggins,

Could consecutive season's be any more different for a player than what you have experienced during your first two at Kentucky? You might think that you've asked yourself that question more than fans have but I assure you fans were very interested in the answer. The number of searches performed on Google for "where is DeAndre Liggins" would probably surprise a lot of people. That question and those searches seem to be an afterthought now for us all now and I hope at this point you've been able to put it all behind you and focus on the work that is ahead.

Coach Calipari said about you "...he worked really hard in the off season to put himself in a position for extended playing time." Since your return to the court in December there isn't anything that stands out more than your hard work. Sure, fans enjoy watching some of the players score 20 points per game or grab 15 boards during a 40 minute period. You know what I think fans enjoy more? When DeAndre Liggins hits the floor and lays it on the line for his team, for his coach and for his fans. When you commit yourself to making a play and dive across the floor at full speed; that's what fans enjoy more.

I've looked and looked and couldn't find it. I guess I need to write the NCAA and Stats LLC demanding that they start including it. If I had to venture a guess I would say since December 12, 2009 you are sitting at 2.3dpg. DPG you ask? Dives per game. How many times a player puts himself at risk and dives to the hardwood to get a steal or gather a loose ball. At 2.3dpg, you're at the top of the SEC and in the top five in the national rankings. Committing yourself to those plays show more effort and dedication than a triple-double or a 30 point performance in my opinion. Your effort is second to none and your play on the offensive side of the court continues to improve with every game. My sole purpose for writing you today was to say thank you for your commitment to the possession.

As you are preparing to play the Tennessee Volunteers tonight, I will close and not take any more of your time. Keep doing your thing DeAndre, the fans absolutely appreciate your contributions. I'm now off to work to get that new stat collected on your behalf. It will be my way of showing you how much the Nation of Blue applauds your total commitment to laying it on the line just to give your team another possession. Once the new DPG stat is collected it will forever be known as the one created for DeAndre Liggins.

Sincerely,
Scott Z. and...

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