Among the questions Orlando Magic rookie DeAndre Liggins faced at his introductory news conference last Wednesday: where and how will he train during the NBA lockout, which prohibits players from communicating with team employees or using team facilities? Liggins said he intended to return to Lexington to work out at the Kentucky Wildcats' gym. He sheepishly added that he'd yet to ask coach John Calipari for permission.
Well, now, he doesn't need to. "I reached out to every former Wildcat that’s in the NBA dealing w/ this lockout to tell them our facility is available to train if needed," Calipari announced to his 1.1 million Twitter followers. "Part of what we want to continue to do is give former players from our family the opportunity to jumpstart their careers," he continued.
If the defensive-minded swingman takes Calipari up on his offer, he may find the gym a bit crowded: fourteen other former Wildcats--including Magic center Daniel Orton, former no. 1 pick John Wall, and All-Star Rajon Rondo--play in the NBA.
The Magic selected Liggins 53rd overall in this year's NBA Draft. He and combo forward Justin Harper, acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers for two future second-round picks, represent Orlando's 2011 Draft haul. They'll join Orton, an injury-plagued 2010 first-rounder, as the Magic's three rookies this season.
(Hat-tip: Ball Don't Lie)