Colleges

Lakewood success started a fun run

Brian Ligon is no stranger to big games.

By JOE SMITH
Published March 21, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Getty Images] Former Lakewood standout Brian Ligon drives against James Gist during an NCAA Tournament victory over Maryland, one of Butler's impressive upsets this season. Up next: Al Horford and UF.

Brian Ligon is no stranger to big games. The former Lakewood star forward led the Spartans to a state championship in 2002. But now Ligon, a starting forward and senior captain for No. 5 seed Butler, leads the Bulldogs into their biggest game yet: a Sweet 16 matchup with defending champion and No. 1 seed Florida on Friday night. Times staff writer Joe Smith chatted with Ligon about Butler shedding the "mid major" label, following in the family trade and guarding Florida's Al Horford.

What has this particular NCAA run been like for you, in your senior year?

It's been a great feeling, almost hard to put into words. I was part of a great high school team and Butler's been a great fit, both the style of play and the family atmosphere. We've always felt we're capable of making a run.

As one of Butler's big guys inside, you'll have the responsibility of trying to slow down Florida's Al Horford. What makes him such a tough matchup?

He's a great player; very strong inside, very patient with his moves. That's not the kind of guy you're going to guard one-on-one. It'll be a five-on-five thing, with our help defense so important.

Considering what you've gone through in your career (ACL tears his freshman and sophomore years), does it make this Sweet 16 appearance extra sweet?

God gives you certain obstacles you have to get through, and you really learn a lot about yourself. I've been able to stick with it, and it's paid off.

You guys beat Indiana, Notre Dame, Tennessee and Gonzaga in an 11-day stretch earlier this season. Having just beaten No. 4 seed Maryland, do you think you guys have rid yourselves of that "mid major" label yet?

This program, even before I got here, had started to make a name for itself. We've just tried to keep it going. It doesn't really matter when the pundits call us so-called "mid majors." We're just a blue-collar team who works well together, plays solid defense. If you win, that's all that counts.

We've spoken before about your musical interests (Ligon is a former piano and saxophone player and produced a CD with a former Lakewood teammate in 2003). Think you'll keep with that after you graduate? Or are you following the family business (both of Ligon's parents are dentists)?

Recording music has always been a passion of mine; I'm sure I'll always keep that door open. But I'm actually going to dental school. I'm going to Meharry Medical College in Nashville after I walk in May.

As underdogs going into this game with the Gators, what's been your team's mentality this week in preparing?

Nobody is invincible. We're going to go in there and try to compete, like we always do. You never know what can happen.

Fast Facts:

Meet Brian Ligon

Age: 21

Ht/Wt: 6 feet 7, 240 pounds

Position: Forward

Local tie: Led Lakewood to state title in 2002.

Impact: Butler's team captain starts at forward, is one of Bulldogs' top post defenders and rebounders.

Skinny: Ligon leads No. 5 seed Butler into a Sweet 16 matchup with No. 1 seed Florida, Friday at 7:10 p.m. at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.

TV: Ch. 10.

[Last modified March 21, 2007, 00:22:27]