Ashton Hagans on Instagram

[ScrooDook92]

When I read that tweet the other day I instantly thought AH was gone but after watching the whole interview where Cal said that...Cal actually said If Ashton “chooses” to go pro a NBA team will get blah blah but I still think he is gone.

Ashton isn't going to be choosing to go pro. He may choose to not be on UK's roster next year.

 

[Orange Soda King]

Quickley or Hagans would you want back?

Yes?

 

[RunninRichie]

Hope everyone except Nate returns.

Nate is good

 

[JoeBeeHall]

Nate is good

He can't return. Unless he gets another year of eligibility for some reason.

 

[Runnin'Ramel]

Probably best for Hagans to move on and for UK to move on from Hagans.

I remember pleading for Cal to put IQ in for Hagans in the Elite 8 game against Auburn as we watched turnover after turnover ... he was a mess. A freshman, yes, but Quick was a better option in that moment.

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

Quickley or Hagans would you want back?

I would want Quickley, but would be happy with either.
Quickley or Richards, now that is a tough one!

 

[zannmann]

Cal over rated him. Cal was the one that kept saying he was the best PG in the country. He is an excellent assist man and very good defensively, but he commits far too many turnovers and has a very poor shooting percentage to be claimed the best in the country.

 

[Paulyv94]

Skal
Ashton wasn’t overrated at all, he just wasn't a good shooter. He was still a damn good weapon to have. Defensively, he was the most disruptive player of the Cal era, that's not something you typically say about a player that is thought to be overrated.

Definitely Skal, with Khalil being a close second. Alex Poythress is up there as well.

Skal was so unbelievably bad, I can't really believe how bad he was. Kid had a ton of talent. As much as we bag on EJ, Skal was 100 times worse.

 

[Titpwhami2014]

Skal
Ashton wasn’t overrated at all, he just wasn't a good shooter. He was still a damn good weapon to have. Defensively, he was the most disruptive player of the Cal era, that's not something you typically say about a player that is thought to be overrated.

Defensively, I would take AD, MKG, Nerlens, WCS, Ulis and Liggins over Ashton any day of the week.

Skal was overrated, but he gets a pass from me because it took Cal 30 games to figure out he had no business playing with his back to the goal.

 

[kyjeff1]

Defensively, I would take AD, MKG, Nerlens, WCS, Ulis and Liggins over Ashton any day of the week.

Skal was overrated, but he gets a pass from me because it took Cal 30 games to figure out he had no business playing with his back to the goal.

Out of all the players you listed, only 2 were on-ball defenders. Ashton is right there with Liggins and Ulis.
I would say he is a better defender than Tyler just because his length and ability to jar the ball loose and reach into passing lanes.
Liggins is very similar to Hagans, you can make an argument for either one honestly, but we have to be careful not to compare Junior Liggins to Sophomore Hagans. Give Ashton a third year and I think you would see Ashton would be the clear cut better defender.

 

[Bratkartoffeln]

didn’t listen but saw this on twitter. Not putting much stock in it but still

Would LOVE to see Ashton and Immanuel BOTH come back. The team would be dynamite with both. Their guidance to the young guys would pay huge dividends, and we'd potentially be looking nearly at another 2015-type roster. They will go through the NBA process, but that is far from them leaving now. Given their projections, it looks like both along with Nick and EJ would really benefit from returning. Maxey is the only one who is likely guaranteed being in the first round.

Anxious like the rest of you to see how this all plays out. I predict all four will ultimately stay to take care of unfinished business, and it will be the wisest decision they make in their young lives.

 

[wildcatdon]

I am with some of the others here. Time for Hagans to move on. Ends up being a distraction to the whole team. Get another point guard,assuming IQ leaves and 2 more bigs and we r set.

 

[ScrooDook92]

I am with some of the others here. Time for Hagans to move on. Ends up being a distraction to the whole team. Get another point guard,assuming IQ leaves and 2 more bigs and we r set.

The big problem right now is the need for big men. The potential lack of a PG pales in comparison.

 

[weatherbird]

I am with some of the others here. Time for Hagans to move on. Ends up being a distraction to the whole team. Get another point guard,assuming IQ leaves and 2 more bigs and we r set.

The big problem right now is the need for big men. The potential lack of a PG pales in comparison.

I get it, people still think you have to have some big butt guy down low. I'm not sure why there is concern over the bigs, provided EJ returns. UK will have 4 to 5 guys to play the "inside" positions, with Ware, Jackson, Brooks and EJ, along with Fletcher being able to do it a little. There are very few guys in college that would present a problem for those guys to guard, and the ones that do, will likewise have a hard time guarding those players on the other end. Those 4 or 5 guys are big enough to handle the inside position. Now if EJ leaves, I think there is room for one more "big", but I just can't see adding a "big" if EJ returns. First, you aren't likely to find a "big" good enough to overtake Brooks or EJ. So that means at best they would be a back-up. And I just can't see a big looking at the above situation and saying UK is the place for me.

Just my opinion, but if Quickley and EJ come back along with the other that are projected to come back, I don't believe there will be any additions. With only Hagans, Maxey and Richards leaving early, and Sestina graduating, that leaves a roster that looks like this:

PG: Quickley, Askew
SG Clarke, Juzang
SF: Boston, Allen
PF: Brooks, Ware, Fletcher
C: EJ, Jackson

Now that leaves 2 open rides, but Cal rarely fields a full roster, and 11 is a lot closer to the average than 13. Plus the roster has 2 deep at every position, with Fletcher being able to contribute a bit at both forward positions. And this all assumes that Richards and Hagans decide to go. I believe Cal likes a shorter roster as it is easier to keep everyone happy, whereas adding another "big" would be 6 players that are going to play mostly at the PF or C positions, though they would be different styles. Quickley returning will lockdown the perimeter positions, and thus there won't be many minutes to be had there. Brooks and EJ are likely to get the lion share of minutes at the PF and C positions. Jackson is considered by many to be underrated, so he likely gets a bit of the leftovers. So it's hard for me to see Cal bringing in another "big" to split the minutes with.

 

[Whoppercat]

That sounds like he's coming back. You don't say that and then leave.

You also don’t video yourself with wads of cash when you’re a college athlete.

 

[Ronwasourlastchance]

Out of all the players you listed, only 2 were on-ball defenders. Ashton is right there with Liggins and Ulis.
I would say he is a better defender than Tyler just because his length and ability to jar the ball loose and reach into passing lanes.
Liggins is very similar to Hagans, you can make an argument for either one honestly, but we have to be careful not to compare Junior Liggins to Sophomore Hagans. Give Ashton a third year and I think you would see Ashton would be the clear cut better defender.

Come on man. I know Hagan's defense got hyped up but, comparing to Ulis? Hagans got steals and deflections mostly because he couldn't keep his man in front of him. Nobody was getting by Ulis consistently.

 

[kyjeff1]

Come on man. I know Hagan's defense got hyped up but, comparing to Ulis? Hagans got steals and deflections mostly because he couldn't keep his man in front of him. Nobody was getting by Ulis consistently.

Opinions vary.

I know if I'm bringing the ball up the court, I would rather see Ulis guarding me than Hagans.

 

[weatherbird]

Opinions vary.

I know if I'm bringing the ball up the court, I would rather see Ulis guarding me than Hagans.

I often compare Hagans to a "scat" back in football. You may get him a time or two, but he has an ability to take it to the house at a moments notice, and there is nothing you can do about it. There were teams this year that just quit involving the man Hagans was guarding toward the end of the game. That is how you know the category he belonged in.

I remember one time when I got hot toward the end of a high school game, and we had the ball down two. Coming out of the timeout, the opposing coach walked his play over to me, and said whatever you do, don't let this guy shoot the ball. It worked, they double teamed me, somebody else took the shot, and we lost. But the point is, there is no better indication of your ability than what the opposing coach tells or directs his players concerning you. Hagans was elite on the defensive end. Offense left a lot to be desired though.

 

[jameslee32]

I could get used to seeing a 3-PG lineup.

 

[HerrosHeroes]

Lets just go 5 PGS

Hagans
Askew
IQ
Boston
Clarke

and dare anyone to try and stop us!

We're going all the way!!!

 

[fearthebluecat]

Kid sunk our run with pj and Reid. Should've been another FF and potential title.

Then he nearly sunk last year's team at the end of the season.

I'm ready to turn the page. I think all involved will be better off for it

STUPID POST

 

[phyrekat]

I think when it’s all said and done, Hagans will go down as Calipari’s most overrated UK player.

.

Kahlil Whitney and Skal Labissiere just said "hold my beer"

ETA: Beaten like a rented mule

 

[UK90]

That sounds like he's coming back. You don't say that and then leave.

LOL. Seems you've haven't been paying much attention over the years.

I've seen so many players backtrack on these type statements. They mean nothing to me unless the kid releases an official statement.

 

[kyjeff1]

I often compare Hagans to a "scat" back in football. You may get him a time or two, but he has an ability to take it to the house at a moments notice, and there is nothing you can do about it. There were teams this year that just quit involving the man Hagans was guarding toward the end of the game. That is how you know the category he belonged in.

I remember one time when I got hot toward the end of a high school game, and we had the ball down two. Coming out of the timeout, the opposing coach walked his play over to me, and said whatever you do, don't let this guy shoot the ball. It worked, they double teamed me, somebody else took the shot, and we lost. But the point is, there is no better indication of your ability than what the opposing coach tells or directs his players concerning you. Hagans was elite on the defensive end. Offense left a lot to be desired though.

Yeah, it wasn't a matter of if, but when and how often Hagans was going to pick the ball from whoever he was guarding.
I don't think there was ever a point in time where I could say that about Ulis and I am a huge Ulis fan. Heck, I even spell his name right.
But also, there is a reason Ulis wasn’t in the game in that 2015 loss to Wisconsin. He couldn't guard his man. He was getting abused. I know that was his freshman year, but Hagans was an elite on-ball defender his freshman year, not just this year. Tyler was a great all around player and a great defender, but his defense was more about recognizing what was happening and putting himself in the right position to make sure the ball stayed in front of him. Hagans attacks the guy with the ball. Big difference.

 

[Baller Cal]

I would want Quickley, but would be happy with either.
Quickley or Richards, now that is a tough one!

I'd take Richards in a heartbeat if it were Richards or Quickly to come back.

 

[Bluegrassking]

I think when it’s all said and done, Hagans will go down as Calipari’s most overrated UK player.

I wish no ill will towards the kid, and wish him the best. I just think his reputation outweighs his actual talent on the hardwood.

Very tough to beat Skal, I'd say it this point he'd have to return for two more years and do absolutely nothing to get in range but would still be behind based on the first two years.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

LOL. Seems you've been paying much attention over the years.

I've seen so many players backtrack on these type statements. They mean nothing to me unless the kid releases an official statement.

You very well could be right. The only difference is a lot of those past times came after a tournament loss when emotions are high, not a week after the season was effectively cancelled. Hagans also will have trouble on draft night, there's no guarantee he gets grabbed. Finally, he finished the season on a down trend. Can't name a lot of Cal players who played that poorly, looking to go late in the second, who don't come back.

.. but Hagans has also done some **** that makes you think he wants out.

 

[Burly]

Defensively, I would take AD, MKG, Nerlens, WCS, Ulis and Liggins over Ashton any day of the week.

Skal was overrated, but he gets a pass from me because it took Cal 30 games to figure out he had no business playing with his back to the goal.

So true - completely misused by Cal - was a pick & pop 4 not a back to basket 5

 

[Padsfs07]

If I had to choose now, I'd rather pick IQ for the point next year.

Who would Calipari pick? --> Hagans, so I'm going to go with Calipari's decision. Hagans is a heckuva PG, who's last few games with the team were not his finest moments, thus the bad taste left in everyone's mouth. He was a potential third team AA until February with his scoring, defense, and passing. 13.0 PPG and a 7.3 to 3.3 assist to turnover ratio until he hit a wall starting with the Auburn loss.

Regardless, I have no doubt that he is going pro.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Who would Calipari pick? --> Hagans, so I'm going to go with Calipari's decision. Hagans is a heckuva PG, who's last few games with the team were not his finest moments, thus the bad taste left in everyone's mouth. He was a potential third team AA until February with his scoring, defense, and passing. 13.0 PPG and a 7.3 to 3.3 assist to turnover ratio until he hit a wall starting with the Auburn loss.

Regardless, I have no doubt that he is going pro.

Ahhh, I'm not sure we can say that for sure. You can't convince me there isn't some part of Calipari who would be fine with Hagans moving on IF he knew IQ could, and would, run the point.

 

[liveblue92]

I just want IQ and EJ back. IQ can be an all american next year. EJ can be a solid contributor.

 

[shutzhund]

You very well could be right. The only difference is a lot of those past times came after a tournament loss when emotions are high, not a week after the season was effectively cancelled. Hagans also will have trouble on draft night, there's no guarantee he gets grabbed. Finally, he finished the season on a down trend. Can't name a lot of Cal players who played that poorly, looking to go late in the second, who don't come back.

.. but Hagans has also done some **** that makes you think he wants out.

Except for the Cal blunder what else have you noted. I'm not real sure that was an out and out blunder. Ill advised for sure in that setting.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Except for the Cal blunder what else have you noted. I'm not real sure that was an out and out blunder. Ill advised for sure in that setting.

Cal is still a business man, at the end of the day.. maybe even more so than a coach, believe it or not.

He is NEVER going to display an issue with a player publicly. He can't. Recruits will take notice, opposing coaches will take notice. He needs to create an image of "nothing to see here, all sunny where we are".

Im not saying Cal hate or wants Ashton gone. Im just saying, I don't think he's going to be begging him if he thinks IQ could fill in. There's no way Cal is looking at Ashtons last two months of play and is thinking this isn't a warning sign.

 

[School boy]

If he's only worried about money be gone. This is Kentucky I only want Championships, if you don't see that Hagans see ya kid.

 

[KyFaninNC]

Cal is still a business man, at the end of the day.. maybe even more so than a coach, believe it or not.

He is NEVER going to display an issue with a player publicly. He can't. Recruits will take notice, opposing coaches will take notice. He needs to create an image of "nothing to see here, all sunny where we are".

Im not saying Cal hate or wants Ashton gone. Im just saying, I don't think he's going to be begging him if he thinks IQ could fill in. There's no way Cal is looking at Ashtons last two months of play and is thinking this isn't a warning sign.

Calipari will never say anything negative about any of his kids. When Cal says he is a players first coach, that is exactly what he is. When Cal says his #1 priority is getting theses kids into the NBA, that is exactly what he means. No coach speak, no recruiting speak, it is who Cal is deep down inside.

 

[bcox13]

If he's only worried about money be gone. This is Kentucky I only want Championships, if you don't see that Hagans see ya kid.

Yep, better tell em all to scat then because almost everyone we bring in wants to get paid to play.

some of you (small, but vocal group) still haven’t figured out you can do both. They want to win AND get paid. What a weird concept

I would love to win my company’s leadership award at our end of year awards ceremony, but not at the expense of working for free

 

[LineSkiCat14]

Calipari will never say anything negative about any of his kids. When Cal says he is a players first coach, that is exactly what he is. When Cal says his #1 priority is getting theses kids into the NBA, that is exactly what he means. No coach speak, no recruiting speak, it is who Cal is deep down inside.

Agree 100% and I think you touch on a big point.. That it's not a BAD thing. He works the NBA angle because it gets players in the door. More players through the door means better success. People get mad that he seems to favor the players over the program.. but guess what? We've been a top3 team and arguably the best team of the decade.

Maybe Calipari knows what he's doing here..

 

[RunninRichie]

Calipari will never say anything negative about any of his kids. When Cal says he is a players first coach, that is exactly what he is. When Cal says his #1 priority is getting theses kids into the NBA, that is exactly what he means. No coach speak, no recruiting speak, it is who Cal is deep down inside.

yes cal puts winning on the back burner to get kids to the draft which is why he leads in wins and tournament wins.

 

[RalphDaltonFan]

yes cal puts winning on the back burner to get kids to the draft which is why he leads in wins and tournament wins.

Didn't take his post that way-maybe I missed his intent or am not familiar with poster? Think he just meant his goal is to help these guys no matter what and he's a player's coach.

My POV with how things ended: Hagans should be thankful for the team pulling together to pull out those last 10 mins of UF game. Imagine how this season almost ended--UK playing awful basketball for the 46 of the last 60 mins of season (got to add the 4 mins they extended lead to 17 against UT to open 2nd Half as positive with the last 10 of UF game)....Hagans suspended or "put in timeout" because of......where I'm from it's called being a self centered a-hole.

Cal's pitching the best version of Hagans and guys do go through things, but with a SEC Championship team and 2 games left in regular season he lets his **** get in way of team's goals? #1 thing we've all been told/sold on based on what UK program/Cal have pitched is how tough/mentally tough this guy is and he flaked out on the team. My connected friend said one NBA guy he speaks with commented on Cal's story about practice--the 2/3 guys who told Hagans to put on a 1st team jersey--with this "What did the other 2/3 guys think? Those are who I'd want to ask about Hagans". Film doesn't lie and this guy is going to need to really answer a lot from "not being locked in" for Elite 8 game last year, to the debacle at end of this one. Find out in grown up world that your decisions/actions determine your future, and unlike most people, he is fortunate that he's got a powerful voice speaking on his behalf to cover for him. Hope he appreciates it and most of all grows up no matter where he ends up.

 

[RunninRichie]

Didn't take his post that way-maybe I missed his intent or am not familiar with poster? Think he just meant his goal is to help these guys no matter what and he's a player's coach.

My POV with how things ended: Hagans should be thankful for the team pulling together to pull out those last 10 mins of UF game. Imagine how this season almost ended--UK playing awful basketball for the 46 of the last 60 mins of season (got to add the 4 mins they extended lead to 17 against UT to open 2nd Half as positive with the last 10 of UF game)....Hagans suspended or "put in timeout" because of......where I'm from it's called being a self centered a-hole.

Cal's pitching the best version of Hagans and guys do go through things, but with a SEC Championship team and 2 games left in regular season he lets his **** get in way of team's goals? #1 thing we've all been told/sold on based on what UK program/Cal have pitched is how tough/mentally tough this guy is and he flaked out on the team. My connected friend said one NBA guy he speaks with commented on Cal's story about practice--the 2/3 guys who told Hagans to put on a 1st team jersey--with this "What did the other 2/3 guys think? Those are who I'd want to ask about Hagans". Film doesn't lie and this guy is going to need to really answer a lot from "not being locked in" for Elite 8 game last year, to the debacle at end of this one. Find out in grown up world that your decisions/actions determine your future, and unlike most people, he is fortunate that he's got a powerful voice speaking on his behalf to cover for him. Hope he appreciates it and most of all grows up no matter where he ends up.

Agree