The most important stat is the one that isn’t measured, not published in a box score and only talked about when it is lacking. Hustle. DeAndre Liggins is the poster child for hustle which he proved again last night against border rival Indiana. He’s not the most stylish player nor the most consistent shooter, but he is the hardest worker on the court, hands down.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
Against IU, Liggins scored 19 points (a career high) and had 9 rebounds. Let’s not take away from his published production. His shooting however was only 5-14 and he only shot 50% at the charity stripe making 8-16. 1-2 from the three point line (which was a huge, wide-open shot) and 1 assist. It’s productive, but a little bit sloppy. I’m OK with that though, because he took over when a veteran needed to take over.
What is most impressive and unsaid in all of those stats are the hustle plays this kid had. Tie-up’s for alternate possessions, diving for loose balls, going for steals and his defensive tenacity.
Kentucky coach John Calipari’s message to DeAndre Liggins was simple after watching the junior defensive stopper struggle at times during the opening weeks of the season.
Calipari told Liggins if he didn’t get out on the floor and do all the little things he did so well last season — grabbing loose balls and sticking his hands in passing lanes — he might as well fill out a job application because he wasn’t going to see much time on the floor.
Liggins got it done last night. If he keeps playing like this, you could see an NBA draft entrant at the end of the season.
