Liggins is staying in the Draft

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Kentucky guard DeAndre Liggins will remain in the NBA draft.

Liggins announced Sunday he will turn pro rather than return for his senior season after talking to NBA scouts during a weekend camp hosted by the New Jersey Nets.

The 6-foot-6 Liggins said it "was in the best interests of me and my family to stay in the draft."

Liggins' length and aggressiveness helped him become one of the top defenders in the country during his three years at Kentucky. He averaged 8.6 points and 4.0 rebounds last season while helping the Wildcats reach their first Final Four in 13 years.

Underclassmen had until midnight Sunday to take their name out of the draft pool.

Kentucky freshman Brandon Knight also is staying in the draft while forward Terrence Jones announced Saturday he will come back for his sophomore season.

Liggins, unlike his more heralded teammates, isn't considered a first-round pick but coach John Calipari encouraged Liggins to explore his options.

Calipari ultimately urged Liggins to stay at Kentucky but added he supports his decision.

Despite the departure of Liggins and Knight, Kentucky should be loaded with talent next season. The Wildcats welcome another high-profile group of freshmen in the fall led by point guard Marquis Teague and forwards Anthony Davis and Michael Gilchrist.

(Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2011/news/story?id=6510300)

I'll miss DeAndre--I really liked seeing him grow this year, and would like to have another senior leader option in addition to Darius (in case he doesn't come around)--but I think we'll be alright without him.

I will miss Liggins, but he has got to do what is best for his family.

Big Blue Nation wrote:I will miss Liggins, but he has got to do what is best for his family.

I agree. This year is the best time for him to go in my opinion.

good luck liggo. hope you get paid.

Uhh OK. Good luck.

DL really could've used another year of seasoning to polish his offensive game and I thought he'd be back. But as a Father of 3 I fully understand his decision to go pro and provide for his family. I wish nothing but the best for DL and will miss his tenacious D and relentless hustle.

DeAndre's stock peaked this year. With all the talent coming in next season, he had to enter the draft. Now he really needs to keep working on his defense and become a Bruce Bowen type player. He's not going to be an offensive great, but, if he can continue to keep in a dude's grill for 20-30 minutes a night, he'll do pretty well in the NBA.