John Calipari is not bringing just 445 wins with him to Lexington, he’s also bringing change to the men’s basketball program. For some, like the case of DeAndre Liggins that’s a good thing, but for others like Josh Harrellson, that can mean something completely different.

It has been well-documented Calipari runs the Dribble-Drive Motion, a fast-paced offense designed to play with four perimeter players and a post player. It’s something Liggins, a rising sophomore who saw an up-and-down freshman campaign, can’t wait for.

In fact, he’s waited an extra year for Calipari and his system. Liggins was recruited out of high school by Calipari while he was at Memphis.

And with rumors swirling this off-season about Liggins potentially transferring, he had an answer before Wednesday’s practice to put those rumors to rest.

“100 percent I’ll be back,” Liggins said. “(Calipari) is a good coach. I like his offense. I’m ready to play for him.”

While Liggins is ready to play for a new coach, Calipari couldn’t help but think about the possibilities of what type of player Liggins can turn into with the DDM.

“He’s doing better than when we first started,” Calipari said. “He’ll keep learning and getting better and soon people won’t even realize that it’s him out there playing.”

However, the same can’t be said for Josh Harrellson, a rising junior who transferred to UK before the 2008-09 season from Southwestern Illinois College.

Harrellson, who is 6-foot-10, averaged 3.6 points per game in his first season with the Cats. However, it’s the up-tempo style of Calipari that has Harrellson contemplating a change of scenery.

“I don’t know if I fit in this system yet. I hope I get used to (the DDM) so I can stay,” Harrellson said. “Me and Coach Cal haven’t talked yet, but it will be my decision

 

 

http://kykernel.com/2009/04/15/caliparis-arrival-leads-to-change-of-style-for-players/

I honestly don't see players like Harrelson, Stevenson, Patterson, and the like being that great in Calipari's offense...

I honestly don't see players like Harrelson, Stevenson, Patterson, and the like being that great in Calipari's offense...

 

I don't either.

 

Patterson has a chance to do well but I just can't see it with Harrelson or Stevenson.

I honestly don't see players like Harrelson, Stevenson, Patterson, and the like being that great in Calipari's offense...

 

I think Stevenson can have a very nice senior season being free to attack the boards because his man has rotated over on a guard attacking the basket.

 

Today on PTI, Cal said he wanted Patterson playing like a guard but when the game was on the line, Patterson would be on the low block and UK would be getting him the ball.

 

On Liggins, IF Wall signs, I just don't know where all the PT is going to come from, especially if Galloway comes on in this offense.

Today on PTI, Cal said he wanted Patterson playing like a guard but when the game was on the line, Patterson would be on the low block and UK would be getting him the ball.

 

This is where my doubt for Patterson in this system comes from. Patterson simply doesn't have the ability to "play like a guard." His ball handling skills aren't there, and neither is his "outside" game. JMO.

I honestly don't see players like Harrelson, Stevenson, Patterson, and the like being that great in Calipari's offense...

 

Patterson will fit in great IMO. Harrellson is gone, and I've read rumblings of Stevenson redshirting...

Patterson will fit in great IMO. Harrellson is gone, and I've read rumblings of Stevenson redshirting...

 

 

I can see Stevenson redshirting, but still wouldn't help in the scholarship department.

I see this as great news because in 2 years Liggins will be a our starting PG as a Junior, 1 good year of learning the system while playing behind Wall (let's be honest Wall cannot play 40 minutes a game, maybe 33) Liggins has great size and can be physical as well as speedy. His athletic ability isn't questioned, rather last year I feel like he was made to create things and he just wasn't ready for that as a FROSH. He will in 2 years.

Why would Stevenson redshirt for his senior season?

Why would Stevenson redshirt for his senior season?

 

 

Why did Shepherd? Lack of playing time available, and to make himself a better ballplayer.

Why did Shepherd? Lack of playing time available, and to make himself a better ballplayer.

 

I just don't see it happening. It may help him, but I don't see it.

 

Let's be honest, the two things that Stevenson needs the most are extra pounds & a new set of hands.

 

I don't see either happening anytime soon.

 

I also think that he could really contribute this year, in the DDM offense.

I just don't see it happening. It may help him, but I don't see it.

 

Let's be honest, the two things that Stevenson needs the most are extra pounds & a new set of hands.

 

I don't see either happening anytime soon.

 

I also think that he could really contribute this year, in the DDM offense.

 

 

If you think he could really contribute this year, then why in the world wouldn't an extra year of practicing it not benefit him? If UK has Cousins, Patterson, Orton and Pilgrim on the roster, where is his playing time going to come from?

I see this as great news because in 2 years Liggins will be a our starting PG as a Junior, 1 good year of learning the system while playing behind Wall (let's be honest Wall cannot play 40 minutes a game, maybe 33) Liggins has great size and can be physical as well as speedy. His athletic ability isn't questioned, rather last year I feel like he was made to create things and he just wasn't ready for that as a FROSH. He will in 2 years.

 

I agree with this assessment. If Wall comes, he is gone in a year so that is more time for Liggins to get adjusted to the system and take off in his junior and senior years.

I'd look for Harrelson to consider D2 if he does leave.

I'd look for Harrelson to consider D2 if he does leave.

 

He'd fit in nicely for Dave Bezold and the Norse. All good D2 teams benefit from these type of transfers.