Liggins keeps his name in the NBA Draft

DeAndre Liggins will keep his name in the NBA Draft.

“Coach (Calipari) encouraged me to come back for my senior season, but based on the feedback I got from NBA personnel, I felt it was in the best interests of me and family to stay in the draft,” Liggins said in a release. “I learned a lot in my three years here at Kentucky, and I appreciate all the support I got from the people at UK as well as the Big Blue Nation.”

Liggins attended a combine in New Jersey on Saturday, and made up his mind after that. He planned to announce his decision in a press conference Monday, but it was canceled and a release was sent instead.

Liggins averaged 8.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, but was most known for his defense. He was named to the SEC All-Defensive team by SEC coaches.

“I feel comfortable that DeAndre had all the info that he needed to make this decision,” UK head coach John Calipari said in the release. “I fully support what he’s doing and I will do everything I can to help him reach his dreams.”

It’s unclear where Liggins may fall in the NBA Draft. A best-case scenario appears to have him going in the late first round. UK head coach John Calipari said that the recent play of Memphis’ Tony Allen, a player who is limited offensively but provides quality defense and energy, could lead to an NBA team being more interested in a player like Liggins.