Devin Askew is 0-for-13 from the field in 88 minutes of play in UK's last three games. (SEC Photo)
One reason Kentucky has been having trouble scoring points is inconsistent play and no one has been more inconsistent than freshman point guard Devin Askew. He lost his starting spot for two games earlier in the season but then seemed to be on the verge of turning into the point guard UK and coach John Calipari needed. Instead, in the last three games he’s played 88 minutes and missed all 13 shots he has taken, including five 3-pointers against LSU.
Askew has 10 assists but also seven turnovers in those games along with three steals and nine rebounds.
His only points in three games have been at the foul line where he is 5-for-8.
On his weekly radio show Wednesday night, Calipari didn’t deny Askew was “struggling” and said the two had talked after Tuesday’s loss at Alabama.
“He’s thinking too much. Really simple,” Calipari told show host Tom Leach. “Look up the court so we can get a break, quit coming back to the rebounder. Get up the court, look up the court, immediately throw it ahead so everyone runs. Or if you can’t throw it ahead, spread to the lane to try and get us a shot.”
Askew took two shots in 24 minutes at Alabama and one came at the end when the game was settled.
Last week Calipari indicated he wanted Askew dribbling less and spending more time off the ball. However, playing off the ball means he has to be able to make shots. Calipari is trying to stress to him to make simple passes that are there if he looks.
“You saw Davion (Mintz) throw a couple passes to Dontaie (Allen), did you see them? When he was at point?” Calipari said. “I looked at Devin and said, ‘That’s all I want you to do right there, just find people for shots. That will make our offense go.”
Offensively, he can shoot it, I want him to shoot it. But I want him away from the ball. Get us started, be an initiator, and then when it comes back to you, make plays.”
If he can shoot, he’s not shown it. He’s hitting 34 percent overall this season and just 25.7 percent from 3-point range. Ten of his 31 field goals this season came in just two games.
He’s also averaging almost 30 minutes per game but is averaging just one assist per 11 minutes played.
