Prospect Profile

Strengths:

  * Strong defender who can guard all three perimeter positions
  * Has improved his jump shot
  * Plays hard
  * Tough

Weaknesses:

  * Needs to work on ball skills
  * Needs to continue refining his three-point stroke
 

NBA projection:
The word is a couple of NBA teams really like Liggins. And it only takes one. So he's got a shot of getting picked, or at least, getting a free-agent deal. And once he gets his shot, Liggins is going to be hard to cut because of his defensive skills and the intensity he brings to the court. Could become a perfect lockdown defender and all-around disruptive presence.

2010-11 Season:
Liggins became a full-time starter and had his best season, earning SEC All-Defensive team honors. He was able to guard all three perimeter positions and became Kentucky's glue guy. As an added bonus, he shot 39 percent from three-point range.

Key statistics:
8.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.4 tpg, 1.2 spg, 0.7 bpg, 31.6 mpg, .424 FG, .391 3PT, .649 FT

Cool statistic:
Liggins was a career 27 percent shooter from three-point range heading into his junior season. He wound up shooting 39 percent and making nine more 3's (35), than he did his first two seasons.

Reminds me of:
Bruce Bowen

What Insiders Say:
Kentucky coach John Calipari
"Here's a young man that yeah, he scored in high school but didn't shoot the ball. You watch him now, and I will tell you, he will make shots. But you will also see a fabulous defender. And the team needs it, but also he is making his own way now. He's creating an opportunity for himself. There isn't a coach at any level that doesn't want a defender who will go after balls and play with unbelievable energy. That is a skill. Just as bouncing that ball and passing and shooting is a skill."

What Outsiders Say:
North Carolina coach Roy Williams
"I love DeAndre's game. I really do. He is a long athletic kid that can guard and wants to guard people. He is involved and as athletic as all get out. A lot of athletic kids don't have the heart and desire, and I think he is extremely important to their team."

Chris Dortch is the editor of the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook.