A Decade Later, the Wildcat Legend Reflects on the Corner Three That Changed Everything and His Bittersweet Departure for the NBA”
DeAndre Liggins Opens Up About His Dagger vs. North Carolina – A Moment That Defined a Generation of Kentucky Basketball
When it comes to unforgettable moments in Kentucky basketball history, one play echoes through time louder than most – DeAndre Liggins’ cold-blooded corner three-pointer against North Carolina in the 2011 NCAA Tournament. It was a shot that not only sealed Kentucky’s ticket to the Final Four after a 13-year drought but also stamped Liggins’ name into the heart of Big Blue Nation forever.
Now, over a decade later, the former Kentucky Wildcat is revisiting that moment of glory, sharing raw reflections about what that game meant for his career, his regrets, and the emotions that still come rushing back when he watches the replay.
“It still gives me chills,” Liggins said in a recent interview. “Every time I see that shot, I remember everything – the sweat, the crowd, the pressure. That moment changed my life.”
The Shot Heard Around Lexington
It was late in the second half, and the game was hanging in the balance. Kentucky clung to a one-point lead over North Carolina in the Elite Eight of the 2011 NCAA Tournament. The tension was suffocating. Then came the pivotal defensive stop. Liggins, who had been a defensive powerhouse all tournament long, delivered a crucial block. The ball swung to him in the corner on the next possession.
And then it happened.
Without hesitation, he rose and fired.
Swish.
The crowd erupted. The bench went wild. And just like that, Kentucky was headed back to the Final Four for the first time since 1998. Liggins turned to his teammates, chest pumping, face beaming. In that moment, he wasn’t just a role player – he was a hero.
“That was the biggest shot of my life,” Liggins admitted. “It was instinct, but it was also preparation. Coach Cal had prepared us for moments like that.”
A Tournament to Remember
Liggins didn’t just show up in the North Carolina game – he was a consistent force throughout the tournament. In the Sweet 16, Kentucky squared off against top-seeded Ohio State. In a gritty battle, Liggins delivered 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks, helping the Wildcats eke out a 62-60 victory.
From his lockdown defense to his timely offense, Liggins epitomized the heart and hustle that Kentucky fans adore.
“We didn’t have a lot of egos on that team,” Liggins said. “Everyone bought in. We weren’t the most talented group Kentucky ever had, but we had the most grit. That’s what made us special.”
Why He Left, and Why He Regrets It
Despite the heroics, the celebrations, and the deep tournament run, Liggins’ postgame thoughts quickly shifted to his future. The shot had barely gone in when he started thinking about the NBA.
“I knew I was leaving for the draft,” he said. “Right after that shot, I just felt like it was time. But looking back, I do wish I stayed for my senior year. There was more to accomplish, and I missed that experience.”
The decision to declare early for the NBA was a calculated one, but not without emotion. Liggins had built a home in Lexington, and leaving it behind wasn’t easy. Especially after a magical season that captured the imagination of the Big Blue Nation.
Life After Kentucky
Since departing Kentucky, Liggins has carved out a professional career that’s taken him around the world – from the NBA to international courts. But no matter where he goes, that 2011 run is the story fans always want to hear.
“They always ask about that shot,” he laughed. “I could be in Europe or back in Chicago – Kentucky fans find you. That’s how big the program is.”
Today, Liggins is suiting up once again – this time for La Familia, a team competing in The Basketball Tournament (TBT), where a $1 million grand prize awaits the winner. Liggins is bringing the same defensive tenacity and veteran leadership he showcased in college, and he’s hoping to lead another group of underdogs to glory.
A Hug to Remember
Of all the memories from his Kentucky days, one stands above the rest.
“The hug with Coach Cal after that game – that was everything,” Liggins said with a pause. “That was our moment. That wasn’t just about basketball. It was respect. It was love. It was family.”
Liggins credits Calipari not only for believing in him but for giving him the tools to thrive both on and off the court. “He challenged me every day. He pushed me to be better, not just as a player, but as a man.”
The Legacy Lives On
In a program bursting with stars, All-Americans, and NBA talent, DeAndre Liggins stands tall as one of the most beloved players in Kentucky history – not for gaudy stats or highlight-reel dunks, but for grit, toughness, and heart.
His shot against UNC is more than a clip in a highlight reel. It’s a moment frozen in time. It’s the symbol of belief, of brotherhood, and of rising when it matters most.
And even now, as he prepares for new challenges, Liggins carries that moment – and the roar of the Kentucky faithful – with him everywhere he goes.
“I’ll never forget it,” he said. “And I know Kentucky fans won’t either.”
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