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The Kentucky Wildcats are loading up on recruits in the 2020 class, but none may be as important as Devin Askew.
Askew is a 6-3, 185-pound point guard from Santa Ana, California. He’s actually reportedly closer to 6-5 now and he’s ranked No. 20 overall by the 247 Sports Composite Rankings.
The five-star prospect chose Kentucky over a host of other schools, including the Arizona Wildcats, Kansas Jayhawks, and Louisville Cardinals.
Askew, while not UK’s highest ranked recruit in the 2020 class, is turning heads this winter. But not because of extreme athleticism, pro projections, or elite scoring ability. It’s because he can do things that others can’t, according to Rivals’ Corey Evans.
Kentucky has never had someone like Devin Askew. He doesn’t have the athleticism of John Wall, the agility of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or the quickness of Tyler Ulis, but Askew doesn’t take a back seat to anyone whenever it comes to competing. It was all on display in Wheeling where Askew showed that he is more than capable of running a team at the highest level next year. He is tremendous facilitator that makes others better which will definitely be welcomed with open arms at Kentucky seeing that it will, as usual, possess an onslaught of offensive weapons.
Askew is one of the most polished guards that continues to add different quirks to his game. For a place like UK that will never be at a loss for talent, he is just the guy that should keep the blue blood in mind whenever it comes to rattling off potential Final Four candidates prior to next season.
That’s some pretty high praise for Kentucky’s incoming point guard, especially considering the fact that Askew was a member of the 2021 class and reclassified to 2020.
As Evans mentioned, the reason Askew is so important for Kentucky is his ability to distribute and compete. That dog-mentality will go a long way with Coach Cal and Co.
The incoming 2020 class is loaded with talent, and John Calipari isn’t even finished yet. And Askew will play no small part in continuing to bring even more talent to Lexington.
He’s a true point guard that will facilitate the offense, defend, and he can really shoot the outside shot. Guys want to play with him, and for good reason.
I’m not sure he projects as a true NBA-talent, but he does appear to be an excellent college point guard, and probably a solid backup point in the League. He will be invaluable for the Cats, especially if he stays multiple years.
Couple this recruiting class with the players returning next season, and Askew should have a field day finding different guys on offense and using the weapons around him.
Like Evans said, Kentucky has never had someone like Devin Askew before.
Check out some of his highlights below.
BBN gotta Point GOD on the way! @babydev5 @CRCBasketball pic.twitter.com/zxunVKr0U8
— SLAM HS Hoops (@SLAM_HS) January 6, 2020