Devin Askew criticism?

[CalipariCapo]

If we get Quickley back, it will be a minor miracle. He has shot the ball well enough the last few games to really get the attention of some scouts. However, if you watch, he gets almost all of those on passes with his feet set. Unlike Tyler, he has not yet learned to set up his shot off the dribble. Yet, he has the work ethic and shoots the ball well enough to believe that is the next level for him. His size is his downfall. He really needs to work on and prove through running a team that he is a leader and distributor to go along with being a lights out shooter when his feet are set.

Yep. He is one of the best spot up shooters in the country but it won’t be as easy getting that shot off over Kawhi or Lebron. He also really needs to work on finishing and decision making in transition. He almost always misses or gets his shot blocked. His size and athleticism really kills him in that aspect and that’s against college players. IMO, I really believe Quick is a really good college guard that won’t transition so well to the NBA. He may get a couple of two way contracts, but I can’t see him ever being a big contributor. But please don’t get me wrong, there is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING wrong with being a really good/great college player. I believe we need more of those than focusing on kids that have NBA potential but never realize that potential until 2-3 years in the league. We never get to see the best of them here.

 

[anon_013cn8yrfncx2]

Keep reading on here that Askew is not very athletic. If that’s true, how is he anything other than a 4 year guy.

 

[NerlensCat]

Keep reading on here that Askew is not very athletic. If that’s true, how is he anything other than a 4 year guy.

Watch Luka Doncic. You don't have to be a great athlete to be a great Pro these days. But if you are not, you have to be extra special in other areas - Shooting, ball handling, pace, passing, vision, etc. Watch him play. He is an extraordinary talent, but he is only an average athlete.

 

[GonzoCat90]

Aren’t there any PG/combo guards from 2021 class that could possible reclass? I’m guessing not, considering I haven’t really read any possibilities on here.

Age-wise Chandler is the only elite guard we're in on that would be a candidate to move up, but he's like 160 pounds so that might be too steep a climb for him physically, even if his game is ready.

He and Banchero are close, so if we could add both to 2020, that would be incredible, but it seems more likely they both stay '21. Those two plus Hardy would make for a hell of a '21 trio too.

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

Quickley hit draft boards and is likely gone alone with pretty much everyone else haha

With pretty much everyone else?
Sestina, obviously (100%)
Richards, yes (99%)
Maxey, yes (99%)
Hagans, probably (75%, although if he continues his decision making slide, he could drop to mid-2nd round, and want to improve that)
Quickley, is at best a mid-2nd round pick (60%). He's one of those that will be a much better college player than pro. The best example was the player our great Jamal Mashburn "shared" SEC POY with as a JR, Billy McCaffrey at Vandy. And McCaffrey was really good. Had an inch on Quickley, maybe was a tiny bit closer to be able to play PG, a better shooter. And he didn't get drafted.

Nobody else is leaving!
So we will return, Montgomery (10%), Brooks, Juzang, Allen (RS-FR), and I would bet Quickley or Hagans (55%)

 

[GonzoCat90]

Keep reading on here that Askew is not very athletic. If that’s true, how is he anything other than a 4 year guy.

He's a better athlete than he gets credit for here.

He's bigger and more athletic than Tre Jones, our fans just seem to think everyone can be John Wall.

 

[NerlensCat]

Age-wise Chandler is the only elite guard we're in on that would be a candidate to move up, but he's like 160 pounds so that might be too steep a climb for him physically, even if his game is ready.

He and Banchero are close, so if we could add both to 2020, that would be incredible, but it seems more likely they both stay '21. Those two plus Hardy would make for a hell of a '21 trio too.

I just hope we can seal the deal on these 3. For whatever reason, we have struggled sealing the deal with our top prospects recently until we got Boston and Clarke. Hopefully, the trend continues. Really really want Banchero. He seems like the inside offensive force we have not had here since Randall, even though he gets it done in a different way.

 

[NerlensCat]

He's a better athlete than he gets credit for here.

He's bigger and more athletic than Tre Jones, our fans just seem to think everyone can be John Wall.

Bigger maybe, not sure he is a better athlete. Regardless, he is ours and I really hope I am wrong. Would gladly say so.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Age-wise Chandler is the only elite guard we're in on that would be a candidate to move up, but he's like 160 pounds so that might be too steep a climb for him physically, even if his game is ready.

He and Banchero are close, so if we could add both to 2020, that would be incredible, but it seems more likely they both stay '21. Those two plus Hardy would make for a hell of a '21 trio too.

Damn I hope hoping for Hardy to be old enough. I think he’s a UK lock. You can just sense when certain guys are locks here, he definitely feels like one. I just get that feeling.

Was looking at 24/7 a few minutes ago. Looked like Chandler was almost a certainty to go to duke. Matter of fact, looked like seven or eight guys in the top thirty were projected to be dukies. I know that usually never comes to fruition, but still doesn’t look good. Is this accurate? I know you follow recruiting more than I.

 

[Soupbean]

Lol.ok

Agree with most of what you said with a few modifications.

I think you can still be a high level point in college without athleticism if like you day you are really good at the big three of shooting, handling, distributing and court smarts. You dont have to be athletic but you just can’t be slow.

I think Ashton is a great athlete. Jumping ability is not the only factor to be a great athlete, speed and quick twitch burst are too and he has those. He just needs to find one of the two other foundational PG requirements of either better shooting or better feel for distributing. You are right his shot is broken for a couple of reasons, first he thinks too much and second he holds his release trying to be mechanical. Shooters have to have stress free hands and feel on the release. You can’t over cock it and kill the release.

Tyrese has one thong and one thong only holding him back and that’s simply the ability to calm his mind while his body is going full speed. You can’t play offense hyper, all of your greats look like they are gliding thought their moves not tying to out hustle the defender. He had all the tools just needs to learn to calm down and we’ll see all his natural abilities come out. He’s a much better shooter than he’s shown because most of his shots are taken at full throttle running into even set three pointers.

 

[Soupbean]

Agree with most of what you said with a few modifications.

I think you can still be a high level point in college without athleticism if like you day you are really good at the big three of shooting, handling, distributing and court smarts. You dont have to be athletic but you just can’t be slow.

I think Ashton is a great athlete. Jumping ability is not the only factor to be a great athlete, speed and quick twitch burst are too and he has those. He just needs to find one of the two other foundational PG requirements of either better shooting or better feel for distributing. You are right his shot is broken for a couple of reasons, first he thinks too much and second he holds his release trying to be mechanical. Shooters have to have stress free hands and feel on the release. You can’t over cock it and kill the release.

Tyrese has one thong and one thong only holding him back and that’s simply the ability to calm his mind while his body is going full speed. You can’t play offense hyper, all of your greats look like they are gliding thought their moves not tying to out hustle the defender. He had all the tools just needs to learn to calm down and we’ll see all his natural abilities come out. He’s a much better shooter than he’s shown because most of his shots are taken at full throttle running into even set three pointers.

Whoops meant to reply to Nerlens Cat

 

[NerlensCat]

Whoops meant to reply to Nerlens Cat

I think we are in alignment. Ashton has definitely shown more athletic ability this year than he did last, but he has not cleaned up the poor decision making.

 

[mebeblue2]

Travis Graf tweeted UK better get another PG besides Askew. What did I miss? Some harsh criticism coming out last night?

the fact that we are only going to have ONE PG next year

 

[ScrooDook92]

Good post. I think Askew will be a good one but it’s not going to happen right away. We really need Ashton or Quick back to run PG along with Askew. Let’s not forget, Askew is a reclass guy that should still be playing high school next year. He is going to go through growing pains.

As to your point on our last 3 PGs, it’s crazy isn’t it?! We used to be considered PG university and Cal was considered the best PG coach. Now, we’re left asking kids to reclassify just so we can fill the spot. And don’t even get me started on big men. We used to hand pick who we wanted and now we’re in the days of “we had to go with this guy because we couldn’t get anybody else.” I know pay for play is going on and the dynamics of the new generation of kids approach to the game is just different now, but my god, we’re the University of Kentucky. Elite kids should be banging the doors down to get in here. The 180 we’ve seen in recruiting the last few years is just baffling.

If Hagans comes back, next year is guaranteed to be a superb one. He's better at finishing at the rim this year (and has been more aggressive with the dunks), and he will really open things up for the guards coming in.

 

[TheBigBlueSpectacle]

With pretty much everyone else?
Sestina, obviously (100%)
Richards, yes (99%)
Maxey, yes (99%)
Hagans, probably (75%, although if he continues his decision making slide, he could drop to mid-2nd round, and want to improve that)
Quickley, is at best a mid-2nd round pick (60%). He's one of those that will be a much better college player than pro. The best example was the player our great Jamal Mashburn "shared" SEC POY with as a JR, Billy McCaffrey at Vandy. And McCaffrey was really good. Had an inch on Quickley, maybe was a tiny bit closer to be able to play PG, a better shooter. And he didn't get drafted.

Nobody else is leaving!
So we will return, Montgomery (10%), Brooks, Juzang, Allen (RS-FR), and I would bet Quickley or Hagans (55%)

people lean to the leaving side here. Should get Allen and Juzang. Brooks should come back unless his AAU coach convinces him otherwise. Quickley and Hagans most likely gone

 

[BourbonBalz]

Both Boston and Clarke can back back up Askew.

Sure they CAN, but then you’d be taking some of their strengths away.

 

[Bluegrassking]

Still don't think quickley will go. Needs one more year to work on creating his own shot.

Getting better creating for others is the better case to me. Askew puts a ceiling on that most likely but maybe if they function like the 96 UMass backcourt that will create space enough for both to develop and best help the team win.

 

[bigblue1971]

Age-wise Chandler is the only elite guard we're in on that would be a candidate to move up, but he's like 160 pounds so that might be too steep a climb for him physically, even if his game is ready.

He and Banchero are close, so if we could add both to 2020, that would be incredible, but it seems more likely they both stay '21. Those two plus Hardy would make for a hell of a '21 trio too.

Hoping for Chandler and Banchero to change their mind and join in 2020.

 

[bigblue1971]

I watched Askew a couple times and he can definitely shoot it but the games I watched he had 8 turnovers and 7 turnovers and was very loose with the ball

 

[GonzoCat90]

Damn I hope hoping for Hardy to be old enough. I think he’s a UK lock. You can just sense when certain guys are locks here, he definitely feels like one. I just get that feeling.

Was looking at 24/7 a few minutes ago. Looked like Chandler was almost a certainty to go to duke. Matter of fact, looked like seven or eight guys in the top thirty were projected to be dukies. I know that usually never comes to fruition, but still doesn’t look good. Is this accurate? I know you follow recruiting more than I.

It's not accurate for guys that far out. Do they still have Washington as a sure thing for Banchero?

For a while, people thought Memphis was the leader for Chandler, but over the last little bit he's become much more wide open.

Besides Griffin, I'd say Duke is guaranteed for Baldwin among the elite guys. Beyond that they could get guys like Kuminga (I'll believe that's over and impossible when he enrolls elsewhere) and I'd say they lead for Christie.

Really hope they keep their mits off Holmgren. Let that cat go somewhere irrelevant. He's a problem.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

It's not accurate for guys that far out. Do they still have Washington as a sure thing for Banchero?

For a while, people thought Memphis was the leader for Chandler, but over the last little bit he's become much more wide open.

Besides Griffin, I'd say Duke is guaranteed for Baldwin among the elite guys. Beyond that they could get guys like Kuminga (I'll believe that's over and impossible when he enrolls elsewhere) and I'd say they lead for Christie.

Really hope they keep their mits off Holmgren. Let that cat go somewhere irrelevant. He's a problem.

LOL actually, yes, they do. They have Banchero as 100% to UW. Would love to land that kid. I would settle for Big Cliff for next year. I think he would be real good here, under KP.

 

[Nooneputsbabyinacorner]

Keep reading on here that Askew is not very athletic. If that’s true, how is he anything other than a 4 year guy.

Think Jalen Brunson, just not quite as strong.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Think Jalen Brunson, just not quite as strong.

You know, I always though Brunson was a hell of a PG, especially for college. If Askew is of that caliber, I think that’s all UK will need next year, providing all the talent that’ll be surrounding him. Just need a distributor, hit the open shot and for him to limit turnovers. He seems to be a good distributor and a damn good shooter.

 

[3kidsandme]

Good post. I think Askew will be a good one but it’s not going to happen right away. We really need Ashton or Quick back to run PG along with Askew. Let’s not forget, Askew is a reclass guy that should still be playing high school next year. He is going to go through growing pains.

As to your point on our last 3 PGs, it’s crazy isn’t it?! We used to be considered PG university and Cal was considered the best PG coach. Now, we’re left asking kids to reclassify just so we can fill the spot. And don’t even get me started on big men. We used to hand pick who we wanted and now we’re in the days of “we had to go with this guy because we couldn’t get anybody else.” I know pay for play is going on and the dynamics of the new generation of kids approach to the game is just different now, but my god, we’re the University of Kentucky. Elite kids should be banging the doors down to get in here. The 180 we’ve seen in recruiting the last few years is just baffling.

Shai did pretty damn well lol. Quade was not the point guard.

 

[Backer cutter]

NerlensCat- you need to post more often

 

[track42]

LOL actually, yes, they do. They have Banchero as 100% to UW. Would love to land that kid. I would settle for Big Cliff for next year. I think he would be real good here, under KP.

Cliff sounds obsessed with Arizona State now.

 

[NerlensCat]

Shai did pretty damn well lol. Quade was not the point guard.

You got me on that one. I missed him. However, even Shai struggled to get everyone involved. He was very good at getting to the hole or getting fouled. He was the best we have had since Fox. Can't believe I forgot him

 

[NerlensCat]

NerlensCat- you need to post more often

Thanks Backer. I hope we have a good game today. I was at the game in Auburn. (I live in Opelika by the way). We could not stay in front of the Auburn guys. Yes, we definitely got the worst of the whistle, but we are just not as quick as Auburn either. Okoro killed us off the dribble. Hope we have a better result today.

 

[bucsrule8872]

We will need Quickley back. Askew is not going to be ready to lead a team to a title, IMHO.

Quickley needs to return and put himself into the first round by doing something he hasn’t done this year: play the Point. If he proves he can play PG with his ability to score from anywhere on the court, he will be a first round pick.

I hope Quickley doesn’t settle for being a possible 2nd rounder (no guarantee he will be drafted at all) when he could really improve his stock.

Quickley, Clarke, Boston, Brooks, and Montgomery backed with Askew, Allen, Juzang, Fletcher, Ware, and Jackson would be the heavy favorite to win it all.

 

[NerlensCat]

We will need Quickley back. Askew is not going to be ready to lead a team to a title, IMHO.

Quickley needs to return and put himself into the first round by doing something he hasn’t done this year: play the Point. If he proves he can play PG with his ability to score from anywhere on the court, he will be a first round pick.

I hope Quickley doesn’t settle for being a possible 2nd rounder (no guarantee he will be drafted at all) when he could really improve his stock.

Quickley, Clarke, Boston, Brooks, and Montgomery backed with Askew, Allen, Juzang, Fletcher, Ware, and Jackson would be the heavy favorite to win it all.

Agreed. Let's hope he sees it that way too.

 

[Nooneputsbabyinacorner]

We will need Quickley back. Askew is not going to be ready to lead a team to a title, IMHO.

Quickley needs to return and put himself into the first round by doing something he hasn’t done this year: play the Point. If he proves he can play PG with his ability to score from anywhere on the court, he will be a first round pick.

I hope Quickley doesn’t settle for being a possible 2nd rounder (no guarantee he will be drafted at all) when he could really improve his stock.

Quickley, Clarke, Boston, Brooks, and Montgomery backed with Askew, Allen, Juzang, Fletcher, Ware, and Jackson would be the heavy favorite to win it all.

Even if he returns, Calipari will still play Quickley off the ball and not at point.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

Getting better creating for others is the better case to me. Askew puts a ceiling on that most likely but maybe if they function like the 96 UMass backcourt that will create space enough for both to develop and best help the team win.

That's fair and a better way of saying what I tried to. He has a tough time creating because he can't beat his man off the dribble. Right now any penetration he gets is from shot fakes that others set him up with.

He showed tons of growth but has more left imo. He just isn't an NBA prospect at this point given the above plus his height

 

[NerlensCat]

Even if he returns, Calipari will still play Quickley off the ball and not at point.

Cal will do what is best for the team. Unless either Clarke or Boston really struggle or Askew comes in and has an immediate impact, I don't see that happening. Of course, Quickley could struggle at the point as well, but I think we still have a better chance with him than Askew, at least at the beginning of the year.

 

[bucsrule8872]

Even if he returns, Calipari will still play Quickley off the ball and not at point.

If that is the case, he should go ahead and leave. Not going to improve his stock unless he runs the PG.

I don’t think Cal would do that, though. He is a player first coach. He will play IQ where it benefits him most, at least to begin the season.

Also, with Clarke and Boston on the wing, along with a Soph Juzang, it’s going to be awfully crowded on the wings. Askew is the only other PG. Much better chance that we need him at PG than on the wing.

 

[Nooneputsbabyinacorner]

Cal will do what is best for the team. Unless either Clarke or Boston really struggle or Askew comes in and has an immediate impact, I don't see that happening. Of course, Quickley could struggle at the point as well, but I think we still have a better chance with him than Askew, at least at the beginning of the year.

Was Quickley getting more minutes that Whitney when Whitney was still at Kentucky?

 

[cats#1again]

What draft boards are you seeing him on? Didn’t think so.

I'm laughing at whatever moron said IQ can't create his own shot. Because he's smart and does exactly what the team needs of him, people make things up. If you have watched this season any at all you should know he can take his man off the dribble and create any shot he wants

 

[Nooneputsbabyinacorner]

If that is the case, he should go ahead and leave. Not going to improve his stock unless he runs the PG.

I don’t think Cal would do that, though. He is a player first coach. He will play IQ where it benefits him most, at least to begin the season.

Also, with Clarke and Boston on the wing, along with a Soph Juzang, it’s going to be awfully crowded on the wings. Askew is the only other PG. Much better chance that we need him at PG than on the wing.

That's a good argument for Calipari playing him at point.

 

[cats#1again]

I'm laughing at whatever moron said IQ can't create his own shot. Because he's smart and does exactly what the team needs of him, people make things up. If you have watched this season any at all you should know he can take his man off the dribble and create any shot he wants

Nobody believed in Herro or SGA at points in their season either. Wait till IQ gets worked out by teams. He's an impressive young man that will shine

 

[Travis Graf]

Travis Graf tweeted UK better get another PG besides Askew. What did I miss? Some harsh criticism coming out last night?

Hey 3 fan, I posted this on twitter as well. I’m not hating on the kid, but I’m tempering people’s expectations. I’m tired of some people building up these recruits every year whenever they don’t need to be, and then tearing them down when they don’t meet those lofty and unneeded expectations one they’re on campus.

Askew, is a lot like Immanuel Quickley. Combo guard at his core. Fearless leader, winning intangibles, mid-range pull up, improving floater, nice three-ball, but he has limited dribble separation, which is usually a key for UK point guards, limited speed. I think he’d play a big role off-ball, but I question next year’s team’s ceiling with him being the only “true” point.

EDIT: Also, a lot of people thought I was making those comments just off of his game last night, where he struggled. I’ve been saying this same thing since the fall, and I think he’s a great kid and has a role on next year’s team, I just don’t know if the team will reach it’s ceiling with him as the full time PG next season. I hope I’m wrong and he averages 12&10!

 

[Kingslayer07]

I'm laughing at whatever moron said IQ can't create his own shot. Because he's smart and does exactly what the team needs of him, people make things up. If you have watched this season any at all you should know he can take his man off the dribble and create any shot he wants

I love his move where the defenders arm is down and he throws up a shot into their arm. Foul everytime!