Chris Livingston bringing versatility, winning mentality to Kentucky

Following arguably the worst season in program history with the worst tournament loss, Kentucky basketball is in desperate need of good news. Five-star signee Chris Livingston is hoping to bring that good news to Lexington later this year.

The top-10 recruit is a unique player, one who combines size — he stands 6-foot-7, 225 pounds — and skill to become a mismatch nightmare. He’s too big and strong for guards to shut down but too skilled and athletic for bigs to stop. Those attributes were put on full display at the Jordan Brand Classic in Chicago this week, with Livingston putting up 21 points (8-16 FG, 2-5 3PT), eight rebounds and three steals in the prestigious event.

“I feel like I played really well,” Livingston told KSR. “Feel like I played great defense, shut down a lot of people on the opposing team, but also showed off my whole repertoire of what I can do. I can shoot, pass, dribble and get to the rim. I feel like I played a great game today.”

The mismatch aspect of things is what separates Livingston’s game from other blue-chip prospects. He’s versatile on both ends of the floor, capable of playing two through four. Whatever is asked of him, whatever the position, the Kentucky signee is willing to make it work.

“That’s what helps me out with the new game,” Livingston said. “It helps me out with where I’m projected in the draft, things like that, because I can do a ton of different things. I can be anywhere the coach wants me to be. Two, three or four, I’m really comfortable anywhere, any position on the floor with any team.”

There’s a pressure that comes with following up a loss to No. 15 seed St. Peters as an incoming freshman at Kentucky. Expectations are at an all-time high to get things fixed — and do so immediately. It’s a challenge, though, Livingston embraces.

“I’m very excited,” he told KSR. “I accept the challenge and understand what’s happening as far as transfers and things like that. Being kicked out in the first round gives us ammunition for next year. Coach Cal is going to make us understand the importance of it and we’re going to use it as fuel. I’m really excited about it, I feel like we’re going to have a lot of fun. The fanbase is going to enjoy it. I’m really excited to get there.”

What should Big Blue Nation expect when Livingston takes the floor for the Wildcats this year? Sure, you’ll get the highlight dunks and big shots, but that’s only part of the equation. The five-star forward wants to win basketball games.

“I’m going to play hard not just for the team, but for the coach,” Livingston told KSR. “I play with a lot of energy, make a lot of highlight plays, but I’m also going to win basketball games. That’s the main thing I want to do when I get there. I’m going to soak up everything I can while I’m there under Cal, Coach Chin (Coleman) and Coach Orlando (Antigua). They’re going to love a lot about me.”