Devin Askew (SEC Photo)
He came to Kentucky saying he didn’t expect to be a one-and-done player. Certainly point guard Devin Askew did not play like a one-and-done player either during an up and down season for himself and the Wildcats. There had been some speculation he was overmatched and may transfer. Not true based on that his father, Brian, told Jack Pilgrim of Kentucky Sports Radio.
“Yes sir, (Devin) is locked in for next season,” Brian Askew, told KSR. “Dev is doing well. Sucks they lost but can’t dwell on it too long. Have to get back to work and get ready for next year.”
Askew was a non-factor in UK’s 74-73 loss to Mississippi State Thursday. He lost his starting job the last regular-season game to Davion Mintz. He finished the season averaging 6.5 points, 2.9 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 29 minutes per game. He shot 34.5 percent overall and 27.8 percent from 3.
Askew had trouble getting beat on drives to the basket and simply could not consistently make shots that often led to forced shots for teammates or turnovers because defenses did not cover him.
Devin Askew vowed before the season that he would not let adversity overwhelm him and was ready for the challenge of Big Blue basketball. He worked out over the summer with teammates BJ Boston and Terrence Clarke — who also had struggling freshman seasons.
Just remember it is still a long time before next season. What happens if UK signs another really talented point guard along with McDonald’s All-American Nolan Hickman Jr. who has already signed? What if an experienced and proven point guard decides to transfer to UK? Will Askew stay and fight if one or both of those scenarios play out.
Only time will tell but remember that athletes, like coaches, can change their minds as circumstances change.
