Quiet Week

Sorry for the lack of posting this week, but even with the redemption of last years embarrassment at Assembly Hall, there really isn't much going on due to finals week in Lexington.

As for the Indiana game, two things really stuck out, one of which being DeAndre Liggins. Since the start of the season, I have been calling for Gillispie to give Liggins and Miller more playing time going forward. After reading more into the situation and watching the second half of the Indiana game, I have reconsidered that notion and believe Liggins needs to mature a bit before assuming a starting position.

When I lived in Kentucky, shortly before moving to West Virginia, one of the local Christian schools in the area attracted a 7th grade point guard from across the river in South Point, Ohio. To say this kid was talented was an understatement, and in the process this small Christian school in Ashland, Kentucky made a name for itself on the national level. However, while the kid had this talent, he constantly clashed with the coach of the team, even though at times the coach was right.

If you haven't figured this out yet, the kid I am referring to is now a starting guard for the Memphis Grizzlies and is the likely favorite to win Rookie of the Year. His name is OJ Mayo.

Now what does Mayo have to do with Liggins? Attitude. I'm not comparing the two in terms of their abilities. Anybody in the Bluegrass State or anywhere who saw Mayo play knew he would have a future in the NBA barring injury. However, even during his senior year in Huntington, he never fully matured. Yet due to his "phenom" status, he was able to market himself effectively for a potential NBA career.

There is a difference though. Even after arriving at USC, Mayo already had established himself as a difference maker. DeAndre Liggins has yet to show that, both in college or the high school/AAU level. Bottom line is, Mayo has the credibility to back his game up, Liggins does not. I would also venture to say that if Mayo had played at Kentucky last year, he would likely have Liggins spot on the bench for the very same reason.

For those worried that Liggins might transfer, I would say he has a better shot of declaring for the NBA Draft. Raw talent is what the NBA looks at, and Liggins does have that. My guess is he will wake up eventually and realize Gillispie is right and ultimately win a starting spot by SEC play.

The other thing I noticed from the Indiana game was the opposite start. During the Miami and VMI game, and even Mississippi Valley State, Kentucky would struggle out of the gate and turn it up in the second half. This time, Kentucky got ahead early yet struggled to finish. I credit that with Liggins trying to take over the game, but also the fact that this is the worst Indiana team in recent memory.

Speaking of which, the cloud over Bloomington got even darker with the drug allegations by Eric Gordon. The Kelvin Sampson era just got another bar lower. I will admit that I really feel sorry for Tom Crean and hope he does turn things around in Bloomington. While I didn't want him at Kentucky due to the similarites of our former coach, I believe his style of play likely will fit the Big Ten and will in time restore Indiana to prominence.

I'll hopefully post something regarding the Wolverine Beaters sometime after Saturday.

Have a good week.