Liggins is 22, has a child and most said if he could get a team to give him a guaranteed roster spot as a second rounder, he would stay in (and play for near league minimum). This is similar to what Jodie Meeks did, and low and behold, he was one of the few second rounders of the 2009 draft that got guaranteed money and he's made it nicely thus far in the NBA. That was the point of his workout in New Jersey this weekend, to meet with teams who could use a second rounder on him and make it a guaranteed contract. It's quite possible that with how impressive he was, he may have gotten that from some team.

His departure is sad, he's the type of glue player title teams have. He leaves it all out there and is a difference maker defensively. He can really take any opposing player and really limit them. With that said, his loss definitely hurts Kentucky as a team more than staying another year benefits Liggins. He wasn't going to start. He was probably going to even see his minutes around the same (or less) from a year ago, and I don't see his stock ever getting higher because he will be an older college player (prepped in HS, so he will be almost 24 when he graduates).

It's definitely a bigger loss for Kentucky than a Senior year is a bigger gain to DeAndre.

Notre Dame's Carleton Scott will remain in the draft. Not really sure about that decision...

Liggins staying in the draft as well.

Ralph Sampson III staying in.

Laley23;762919 wrote:Ralph Sampson III staying in.

staying in school, hopefully. Right? These guys are getting bad info if they think its wise to stay in the draft.

karen lotz;762925 wrote:staying in school, hopefully. Right? These guys are getting bad info if they think its wise to stay in the draft.

I thought I heard where he said he would rather go to Europe than play for Tubby...so take it for whats it worth. It isnt in print, so I have no proof. But if he stays in draft, which it appears he has, than just put 2 and 2 together lol.

Liggins was impressive enough at the combine to probably earn a mid second round pick, but with a guaranteed contract. Unlike guys who are staying in for the lottery or not, which can be very risky, I'd say it's much easier to have a team saying "hey, we have the 48th pick (just an example) and if you're there, we'll take you and work out a 2-3 year guaranteed deal." Not saying that exactly happened, but I think it's very possible especially when the picks outside of the top 20 or so usually concentrate on filling a specific need and aren't as much about "best available."

Well at least he would be ok with going to Europe, because I can't really see him sticking in the NBA.