Kentucky is riding to the Final Four on pure heart
By Alan Smith
The title seems pretty fitting, that is if you’ve watched these Cats play lately. If that is the case, then you know that the difference is the heart and new found energy the team has been playing with since late February. But, it isn’t so much just desperation to make the tournament and play hard to get them there, but more so the heart of three players that gave the rest of the team something to play for. All three veterans: Josh Harrellson, DeAndre Liggins, and Darius Miller, have in-large helped catapult this team back to its rightful place in March.
As if you didn’t already know by know, Josh Harrellson (or Jorts), has been the heart and soul of this team the past few games. He provides the energy and passion on the court every game, and it enables, or encourages, his teammates to perform better on the court. After playing only 88 minutes and averaging 1.7 points per game, Harrellson has put forth the effort required of him to not only play decent, but exceed expectations and become one of the top players on this team. “I always thought he was a good player, but I would never have imagined that he’d show the amount of fight he had and reach levels in his game that he himself didn’t think were possible,” said Assistant Coach Kenny Payne. He has come a long way from his sophomore season struggles to leading the team to the Final Four.
Darius Miller is another one of Billy Gillispie’s recruits who has shown up to play. He has changed tremendously from the timid and quiet player he once was. He has been perceived to be a quiet person off the court, and that carried over to the court for some time. It wasn’t until his junior season began winding down, that Darius turned his play up another notch. He had already missed the potential game-winners at Florida and Arkansas, and wasn’t going to let that affect him for the rest of the season. He started off with 24 points in a win against Florida, then had points in double-figures in seven of the following nine games, leading to him being named MVP of the SEC Tournament. His aggressiveness on the court has carried over to his teammates this postseason.
The last of the three veterans that has come around the corner for UK is DeAndre Liggins. In his freshman season, he wasn’t around much. The first tournament he had with UK (Las Vegas Invitational), he refused to play when he was asked to go in the game. He had inconsistency at times, and was in the “Doghouse” the following season when Coach Calipari took over. But Liggins has finally put in the hard work necessary to succeed, and it has payed off for him. His defensive effort has played a giant role in UK’s wins this season overall, especially during the NCAA Tournament. And his offensive game is becoming more reliable, especially with his outside shot. Just ask North Carolina.
Kentucky wasn’t expected to be in any position to be considered as a Final Four participant. After losing last season’s entire starting lineup, this season was supposed to be a bridge year. But the veterans wouldn’t let that happen. Their hart, passion, and desire to win has finally come out and allowed them to help carry the team back to the promised land. It just might be enough heart to bring home number eight.
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