Devin Askew (Vicky Graff Photo)
When you glance at the numbers, it seems like Kentucky freshman point guard Devin Askew has started to turn the corner. After going 0-for-13 from the field in three games, Askew has made 13 of 31 shots in the last four games, including four of nine from 3-point range. Perhaps more importantly, he’s handed out 18 assists in those last four games and made just seven turnovers.
He scored nine points, grabbed five rebounds, got four assists, and made just two turnovers in Saturday’s win over Auburn that Kentucky desperately needed.
Calipari has not had to be nearly as negative on Askew the last few games other than when he said Kentucky’s guards were “bullied” by Tennessee’s guards. Calipari has said he needs to play Askew less, the freshman doesn’t always hear what the coaches mean, Askew dribbles too much and he is better off the ball — a strange point to make about a team’s point guard.
Askew is averaging 7.4 points, 3.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 turnovers per game. He’s shooting just 36.1 percent overall from the field and only 29.5 percent from 3-point range despite going 4-for-8 from 3-point range the last three games.
Askew has had to fight the ghosts of past Calipari point guards from John Wall to DeAaron Fox to Tyler Ulis to even Andrew Harrison, Marquis Teague, and Ashton Hagans. All of them had at least one attribute that made them special. Askew does not — or at least not yet in his career.
Kentucky assistant coach Jai Lucas, a former point guard at Florida and Texas, has a simple explanation for what Askew’s problem is.
“He’s a freshman. I mean that’s the best way to put it and that’s what he looks like,” Lucas said “He’s got a million things coming at him and he’s just trying to figure it out. He’s just getting thrown into the fire.”
He is and UK really has no other options. Creighton transfer Davion Mintz can play point guard but not for extended periods. Freshman Brandon Boston gave it a go in practice and that didn’t last long. Injured freshman Terrence Clarke was eager to play point guard when given the chance but struggled and has now missed 10 straight games with an injury.
‘He’s just getting the short end of the stick of having to really just learn through mistakes and everything. Sometimes it doesn’t look great, but he’s doing a great job of at least keeping his head up, attacking and trying to do what we’re asking him,” Lucas said.
At least Lucas didn’t use the excuse that Askew should still be in high school — a popular line for national TV analysts. Askew did reclassify from the 2021 recruiting class to the 2020 class but at the time I don’t remember any national recruiting analysts saying he was making a mistake and obviously Calipari thought he was ready or he would not have signed him.
Askew is young. He turned 18 in December. But Devin Booker turned 18 after his freshman year at UK started and he’s now in his sixth NBA season. Kevin Knox Jr. had just turned 18 when his freshman season at UK started and he’s in his third NBA season.
Hagans and Clarke were both older but both also reclassified rather than stay in high school another year.
“It’s just like he has to get battle scars. He’s not one of those kids – he’s very strong-willed, very strong-minded. He’s not one of those kids who is going to crumble. He’s not one of those guys and this (season) is just going to build his confidence,” Lucas said.
Lucas said Askew has to understand he has “seen the depths, he’s seen the darks” and learn from it to adjust his game going forward.
“That’s where he is right now. He’s having to change his game. He didn’t get a summer. He didn’t get a preseason and the biggest thing for freshmen are those early games to build their confidence,” Lucas said. “He’s just getting the short end of the stick all the way around. But I think he will be better by it.”
Give Askew credit. He’s not backed down — or lost confidence. He’s become a more vocal leader in recent games and teammates seem to have responded to him.
Askew has not let the close losses discourage him.
“I just take it as we’re learning. I know it’s been a long year. It’s been a lot of downs. I’m looking at it in a positive way,” Askew said before the Auburn game. “We’re one step closer, we’re connecting as a team. I’m looking at it in a positive way. I think we’re one step closer and we’re getting better so I’m happy.”
He’s got no regrets about leaving California to play in the Bluegrass.
“My answer never changed. I’m not one of those kids. I’m here for good, staying here,” he said.
What about reclassifying? Any second thoughts/regrets?
“No. Decision’s made. What’s second thoughts going to do for me?” Askew said.
