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The Kentucky Wildcats have officially announced the addition of Ashton Hagans to its 2018 recruiting class.
“So happy to see my dream of playing for Coach Cal and the Big Blue Nation come true,” Hagans said in a press release. “To follow the footsteps of all the great point guards that came before me is truly a blessing.”
Hagans, who comes to UK by way of Newton High School in Covington (GA), was set to be one of the top high school recruits in the country next season before to foregoing his final year of eligibility and graduating last week. He was ranked as high as No. 6 overall in 2019 by 247 Sports.
Last season, Hagans swept the major awards in the highly competitive basketball state of Georgia, winning both the Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year and Mr. Georgia Basketball.
Hagans averaged 20.2 points, 10.7 assists, 7.6 rebounds and 3.6 steals while leading Newton to the 7A state semifinals.
”Ashton wanted to be at Kentucky all along,” head coach John Calipari said. “When I found out how badly he wanted this and had a chance to see him play, I told our staff what a great fit he would be whether he chose to come to school this season or next. Ashton wanted this so much that he worked extremely hard in the classroom these last few months to finish up his high school requirements and graduate this past week.
”Now he comes here just a couple of weeks after the rest of our guys and is ready to join this group. He can do a little bit of everything, but what separates him from his peers is his playmaking ability and leadership. You’re talking about someone who other people want to play with. I’m looking forward to seeing him get to work with the rest of our guys.”
Welcome to to the Bluegrass!