Kentucky forward DeAndre Liggins compares himself to Ron Artest and other defensive-minded NBA players like Shane Battier and Tony Allen in terms of putting a priority on containing the other team's top scorer or hot shooter or both.

Liggins, who defends any position from point guard to power forward, prides himself on talking trash and irritating opponents after the whistle is blown.

"All psychological," Liggins said with a look of satisfaction on his face.

Liggins credits UK Coach John Calipari as the inspiration for making defense not only his role at UK but also his ticket to a basketball future.

"I know that's my role," he said, "and that's how I'm going to make it."