Askew is back

[IrishMike409]

Wrong on your take. I SAID THEY DON"T MIRROR EACH OTHER, THAT IT JUST SHOWS WHAT A GOOD TEAM HIDES COMPARED TO A BAD TEAM AND THE JUMP THAT CAN BE MADE. I'm not as much comparing them as comparing different teams and situations.

He avg. 5 points a game. What I am saying and why I said they don't mirror each other is that Quickly was on an E8 team and didn't have any pressure to perform and could come along slowly and if he was bad he got pulled. Askew got thrown into the fire and because we only had 2 ball handlers he had to stay out there more than he should have. The pressure of running a team right out of HS was put on his shoulders and not a very good team at that so it looks that much worse on Askew. I'm just saying we have had Freshman that didn't do anything all that special but were good players for us down the road. If people want to hate on Askew go right ahead. I still believe he will be a good one here in time.

Why are you screaming?

Nonetheless.....Just from an optics standpoint, they couldn’t be more different. Quickly belonged. He looked the part, and made an impact in several SEC games. Askew- did nothing all year to warrant any meaningful SEC minutes. He played, strictly because of circumstance.

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

THANK YOU! This is what I was saying. I wasn't comparing Quickly and Askew as players but in different situations where I think both can succeed from coming back. Quick already did after averaging 5 points as a Freshman to becoming the SECPOY.

Yeah I got what you were saying. A lot of posters love being nit picky and over generalizing peoples points for some reason.

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

our disagreement is you think he has talent. I don't see much talent.
as proof with this years class. talent is not guaranteed with class rankings. players are gonna be ranked 1,2,3,4,5 and so on every year. a #1 ranked player in one class may not have the talent as a #15 player in another. so the way you are measuring talent is flawed. with all due respect. what most have witnessed on the court and by the numbers...talent is lacking. no matter how hard he works or how good of a kid he is.
Jorts and Richards ...not real good examples. yes they made improvements, but Jorts after years of working became a good player. Richards so far maybe a little better. and they at least had physical attributes to work with (height). Askew nothing physically special about him...not much talent to work with either.

How much talent did you estimate Richards or Jorts to have during their first years? How good was Aaron Craft his first year at Ohio St? How athletic was he? Hell he wasn’t very athletic his senior year.

Askew is a pg. he’s not going to be 6’11. The fact you said Jorts worked for years to become a good player makes it a very good example. You’re contradicting yourself. And even though they were tall (they better be if they’re listed as centers or PFs) that doesn’t make them talented or good basketball players. I do believe you’re letting hindsight cloud your judgment. No one thought either of them would ever be UK material when they were struggling.

 

[crashtestdummy_rivals61973]

How much talent did you estimate Richards or Jorts to have during their first years? How good was Aaron Craft his first year at Ohio St? How athletic was he? Hell he wasn’t very athletic his senior year.

Askew is a pg. he’s not going to be 6’11. The fact you said Jorts worked for years to become a good player makes it a very good example. You’re contradicting yourself. And even though they were tall (they better be if they’re listed as centers or PFs) that doesn’t make them talented or good basketball players. I do believe you’re letting hindsight cloud your judgment. No one thought either of them would ever be UK material when they were struggling.

Dammit man...look at Askew with or without the box score! as the point guard at UK we have to have faith he will improve or argue about talent. this is Kentucky basketball. talent should not even be in question!
Question for ya...judging from this years record do we have 3-4 years for this kid to produce? I would have to say no!

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

Dammit man...look at Askew with or without the box score! as the point guard at UK we have to have faith he will improve or argue about talent. this is Kentucky basketball. talent should not even be in question!

I mean either way you look at him he wasn’t good this year. Neither was Jorts or Richards. Quickly wasn’t a star his first year either, although his talent was more apparent. Jorts and Richards though? People, myself included, said the EXACT same things that you are right now.

He was a freshman put under the big lights and wasn’t ready for the keys to Cal’s “offense.” That doesn’t make him some untalented player with zero promise.

From the way you’re arguing you want projected draft picks on the team every year and they’re the only ones you want to return. You’re not going to get that under Cal. If they’re first round, they’re gone. If they’re second round, they’re probably gone. If they’re neither they might still be gone to transfer or over seas.

Askew has good size for the pg position. He needs to lose some weight, get better conditioning, and work on his shooting, playmaking, and ball handling (like 95% of college freshmen point guards). The difference between you and me is I do have faith Askew can improve. I don’t expect him to be there next season, but by his junior or senior season he’ll have you eating crow.

In the meantime you will have Hickman, Clark, and possibly some transfers or other recruits so I’m not sure why you’re so worried about keeping him around.

 

[crashtestdummy_rivals61973]

I mean either way you look at him he wasn’t good this year. Neither was Jorts or Richards. Quickly wasn’t a star his first year either, although his talent was more apparent. Jorts and Richards though? People, myself included, said the EXACT same things that you are right now.

He was a freshman put under the big lights and wasn’t ready for the keys to Cal’s “offense.” That doesn’t make him some untalented player with zero promise.

From the way you’re arguing you want projected draft picks on the team every year and they’re the only ones you want to return. You’re not going to get that under Cal. If they’re first round, they’re gone. If they’re second round, they’re probably gone. If they’re neither they might still be gone to transfer or over seas.

Askew has good size for the pg position. He needs to lose some weight, get better conditioning, and work on his shooting, playmaking, and ball handling (like 95% of college freshmen point guards). The difference between you and me is I do have faith Askew can improve. I don’t expect him to be there next season, but by his junior or senior season he’ll have you eating crow.

In the meantime you will have Hickman, Clark, and possibly some transfers or other recruits so I’m not sure why you’re so worried about keeping him around.

He needs to lose some weight, get better conditioning, and work on his shooting, playmaking, and ball handling
I rest my case!

 

[crashtestdummy_rivals61973]

@Jmeeks54thebest...we don“t have 3-4 years for him to improve. you having faith he will improve relieves my worries. I had faith Santa was real once upon a time

 

[Rideordiewildcat]

Why are you screaming?

Nonetheless.....Just from an optics standpoint, they couldn’t be more different. Quickly belonged. He looked the part, and made an impact in several SEC games. Askew- did nothing all year to warrant any meaningful SEC minutes. He played, strictly because of circumstance.

I wasn't really screaming. Just frustrated that people can't follow post. I am not even comparing the 2 as players. Do you get that?

Do you think Askew had as good of a supporting cast as Quickly? More, less, or the same pressure as him? Was set up for success this year with an entirely new team during a COVID year where they missed summer together, etc...

 

[Rideordiewildcat]

Yeah I got what you were saying. A lot of posters love being nit picky and over generalizing peoples points for some reason.

I know. There are at least 3-4 posters that no matter what I say go back and forth without staying on point or making any good points to the discussion at hand. Yet they will go back and forth as long as you do. When people get off subject I need to walk away after I explain what I was saying. I guess some just can't understand.

 

[IrishMike409]

I wasn't really screaming. Just frustrated that people can't follow post. I am not even comparing the 2 as players. Do you get that?

Do you think Askew had as good of a supporting cast as Quickly? More, less, or the same pressure as him? Was set up for success this year with an entirely new team during a COVID year where they missed summer together, etc...

My bad. I don’t totally disagree.

Just so damn frustrated. Don’t really want to sit through March Madness.......is it “next season” yet!?!

 

[FtWorthCat]

I'm glad he's back. But I think they should play him off the ball more and not the primary ball handler. He has to make huge improvements in his shooting.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

You know he looked really good playing PG in HS and camp circuit but it whats odd to me is that he was a really good 3 point shooter too! Something happened yo that this season because he looked uncomfortable shooting 3’s!.
IMO you know I just think if he gets his stroke back he’s better suited to play 2G—don’t think he’s quick enough to play or guard PG position in college!
Also I really believe it’s important for Brooks to come back and take Sarr’s spot as I think he could be really good next year alongside Tsheibwe/Collins. He needs another year definitely to improve his draft position!

Yep. Gotta take the kid off the ball. He’s simply not a PG. He has no traits of a good PG. He lacks speed, quickness and has no floor vision.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

I don't care if he's in Lexington or not-just want better players that bring traits that help the team win. The things he struggles with aren't going to get better with age-he is what he is--I mean Quade Green went from a fat kid prior to his Jr/SR years in HS to a guy UK signed and claimed he wanted to be the best defensive player in UK history. 4 years later, he's in great shape, and leading a team even worse than '21 UK at UW. He's older. In great shape and still not going to help you win. At some point it's best to move in different directions. Whomever gets to say they "Broke up" is fine with me, but there needs to be a return to recruiting the level of players who have this program in contention for Final Four and National Championships, not hoping they run it back from the worst team in Modern Kentucky basketball history due to just wanting to say "we got some kids back".

Yeah. I think a lot of people that think he’s going to vastly improve his performance on the floor are gonna be sadly mistaken. You’re exactly right. The things he struggles with aren’t things that can really be improved or taught.

You either have speed and quickness or you don’t. You either have good court vision and court savvy or you don’t. It’s really that simple.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Devin Askew would get demolished playing the 2G spot both offensively and defensively. Way to small to contribute from there.

Well he damn sure isn’t a PG in any sense of the word. Where do you suggest Cal play him? Surely not the most important position on the floor. Look what happened with that this season.

 

[BourbonBalz]

I am extremely happy he’s returning. I thought he might transfer to a school back west. He struggled this year, but he’s far from the only player that struggled. He was put in over his head but that’s Cal’s fault, not his. He will learn from this season and get better. He seems like he’s a player than will work hard in the off season to improve. He never lacked effort. A sophomore point that gained this much experience is a very good thing. Plus, he won’t have to carry the position by himself next year. I bet he’ll be a different player next year.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Couldn’t disagree with this more. We need guys like Askew to come back instead of transferring out. His situation reminds me a lot of Jorts. When Cal came he actively recruited over Jorts his entire career here. After his senior season I remember hearing on here (may have been a Ksr article) that Cal told Jorts he would likely not get much PT at UK and if he wanted that he should transfer.

He didn’t, he stuck it out, and helped lead a young UK team to its first FF in forever.

Now Cal is doing the same with Askew (who, like Jorts and Richards as well, looked completely out of their league their first season here). While I obviously don’t know what Cal is saying to Askew it’s very clear he’s being recruited over with Cal getting in touch with Tyty Washington and pursuing transfers. Yet Devin declared he ain’t leaving and he’s gonna bust *** to get better (just like Jorts and Richards committed to doing).

I love these players who worked their tails off to get better and want all of them back. I don’t think he all of sudden becomes John Wall his sophomore season, but perhaps by his junior or senior year he can be an Arron Craft sequel but for the blue and white (a great college point guard).

My feelings on Cal are no secret to anyone here. But I’m not one of the ones who wants players back one day and then tries to run them off the next. The reason players come back is because they’re not ready to leave (I.e not good enough for the nba).

You’re comparing improving centers to a struggling PG. The positions are worlds apart. Everything is magnified when you play the PG position and struggle. Simply because the ball is in your hands 90% of the time. He doesn’t possess any PG qualities. None.

EDIT : Please don’t take this personal. I really enjoy you as a poster. I just don’t think Askew is good enough to play PG the way Cal needs his PG to play.

 

[JonathanW_rivals]

Askew is a 3-4 year player, isn’t that what most of us have been wanting more of?

John Wall quality players are not gonna stick around more than one year.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Askew is a 3-4 year player, isn’t that what most of us have been wanting more of?

John Wall quality players are not gonna stick around more than one year.

But can he really contribute at a high enough level? I’ll have to see it to believe it. He’s NOT a PG. It’s glaringly obvious.

I played the position my whole life and he just doesn’t do anything a good PG does. He can’t handle ball pressure, he can’t go by anyone, he can’t set teammates up with a good pass, has a below average basketball IQ, etc. I hope he can contribute and I’m wrong. I just really have my doubts.

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

He needs to lose some weight, get better conditioning, and work on his shooting, playmaking, and ball handling
I rest my case!

Hes a freshman. Not everyone of them is gonna be John Wall or AD. You know UK did win titles before OAD.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Hes a freshman. Not everyone of them is gonna be John Wall or AD. You know UK did win titles before OAD.

Bro, he’s not a quality PG. He literally didn’t make even one pass this season where I went, “damn that kid has some floor vision”. He just doesn’t have it. That’s fine, move him to the 2G. That’s the only shot he has.

 

[crashtestdummy_rivals61973]

which SEC team would he start for or get considerable playing time as he does at ÛK?

 

[CincyUKFan]

Good that he’s back.

Not good at all if he’s back as a starter.

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

You’re comparing improving centers to a struggling PG. The positions are worlds apart. Everything is magnified when you play the PG position and struggle. Simply because the ball is in your hands 90% of the time. He doesn’t possess any PG qualities. None.

EDIT : Please don’t take this personal. I really enjoy you as a poster. I just don’t think Askew is good enough to play PG the way Cal needs his PG to play.

Nothing personal taken. We have a difference of opinion on this issue and that’s ok. I mean true centers and guards don’t face the same hurdles but the aspect of struggling players working hard to improve themselves is a fine comparison. I mean the language on this board was identical for both Jorts and Richards (again, I was guilty as well) and now it’s the same for Askew. The positions may be different, but they all looked woefully out of place and all three share a great work ethic. 2 out of the 3 stunned us all, became starters and major contributors for their squads. The story ain’t written for Askew.

But if you want to equalize the variables even more let’s look at Ramel Bradley freshman to senior year. Look at Jodies transformation from his freshman to junior year (his sophomore year was ugly stat wise- at least for him it was). What about Joe Crawford from his frosh to senior season? See Quicklys transformation. Ravi Moss certainly wasn’t considered for much when he arrived.

The point is, regardless of position can get better. They absolutely can get quicker, jump higher, and run faster. That’s all losing some weight and conditioning.

He can absolutely improve his shooting percentages by getting his reps in.

To improve his court vision and playmaking will take time, but if he’s as committed to UK as he says he is he does have 3 more years to improve that as well. Although, to improve that will take dedicated coaching from the staff.

I dont think Askew was as bad as he played this year. I dont think he was ready to start and I do think Cal forced it on him when he had a well suited senior who should’ve had his minutes and spot. I don’t think hes a world beater either. But he has the time and the work ethic to improve his game and skills. if He sticks it out you will enjoy watching him grow as much as I will I’m sure (Hopefully not from the starting pg position, we do agree he shouldn’t be starting next season).

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

which SEC team would he start for or get considerable playing time as he does at ÛK?

As I have said repeatedly, he should not have been starting. I can’t find one poster on this board that agrees that he should’ve been. Even the big Cal pumpers agree that was the wrong call. He should’ve gotten 10-15 behind Mintz.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

Nothing personal taken. We have a difference of opinion on this issue and that’s ok. I mean true centers and guards don’t face the same hurdles but the aspect of struggling players working hard to improve themselves is a fine comparison. I mean the language on this board was identical for both Jorts and Richards (again, I was guilty as well) and now it’s the same for Askew. The positions may be different, but they all looked woefully out of place and all three share a great work ethic. 2 out of the 3 stunned us all, became starters and major contributors for their squads. The story ain’t written for Askew.

But if you want to equalize the variables even more let’s look at Ramel Bradley freshman to senior year. Look at Jodies transformation from his freshman to junior year (his sophomore year was ugly stat wise- at least for him it was). What about Joe Crawford from his frosh to senior season? See Quicklys transformation. Ravi Moss certainly wasn’t considered for much when he arrived.

The point is, regardless of position can get better. They absolutely can get quicker, jump higher, and run faster. That’s all losing some weight and conditioning.

He can absolutely improve his shooting percentages by getting his reps in.

To improve his court vision and playmaking will take time, but if he’s as committed to UK as he says he is he does have 3 more years to improve that as well. Although, to improve that will take dedicated coaching from the staff.

I dont think Askew was as bad as he played this year. I dont think he was ready to start and I do think Cal forced it on him when he had a well suited senior who should’ve had his minutes and spot. I don’t think hes a world beater either. But he has the time and the work ethic to improve his game and skills. if He sticks it out you will enjoy watching him grow as much as I will I’m sure (Hopefully not from the starting pg position, we do agree he shouldn’t be starting next season).

Oh I’m completely fine with him playing SG here. I think he could be a very good SG. I just don’t think he’s a PG, especially here.

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

Oh I’m completely fine with him playing SG here. I think he could be a very good SG. I just don’t think he’s a PG, especially here.

Time will tell for sure. I’m just excited to have someone who supposedly loves being at UK and isn’t going anywhere. Very refreshing.

 

[MoneyMuntz]

This is why cal gave him so many minutes, he now has a guy who been through sec play and will hopefully be better for it.

This is an underrated viewpoint but I agree . The best way to get better is to compete against the best. He just wasn’t ready this year but I expect him to evolve into the the type of player he is projected to be sooner because of his adversity.

 

[crashtestdummy_rivals61973]

As I have said repeatedly, he should not have been starting. I can’t find one poster on this board that agrees that he should’ve been. Even the big Cal pumpers agree that was the wrong call. He should’ve gotten 10-15 behind Mintz.

can you describe his talent? what does he do now that makes you think he will have success? of course he will improve. he can't get much worse. I have watched/played basketball for over 40 yrs. I'm no expert, but I know talent when I see it. he just doesn't have it

 

[Cowtown Cat]

This is an underrated viewpoint but I agree . The best way to get better is to compete against the best. He just wasn’t ready this year but I expect him to evolve into the the type of player he is projected to be sooner because of his adversity.

That’s fine and all. Only thing is, we needed to WIN games in a bad way. Repeatedly playing Askew 30+ minutes a game at PG didn’t give us the best shot to win said games. Just like Thursday, playing Askew all those second half minutes probably cost us the game.

Now, if we were on track to make the NCAAT, I wouldn’t have a problem with it at all. At some point, you gotta reel it in and play your best five guys. It cost us a NCAAT bid. I can’t be convinced otherwise.

 

[crashtestdummy_rivals61973]

This is an underrated viewpoint but I agree . The best way to get better is to compete against the best. He just wasn’t ready this year but I expect him to evolve into the the type of player he is projected to be sooner because of his adversity.

playing through adversity is not talent! where is the talent.? where are the basketball instincts? where is the athleticism? he does not have it now, nor did he have it in high school. he certainly didn't just lose it. yes...he will improve, but his ceiling is very low. I could be wrong, if I am I will apologize in any form you wish. I hope he has the success he was expected to have. I'm confidant in my ability to judge talent...I just don't see it.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

playing through adversity is not talent! where is the talent.? where are the basketball instincts? where is the athleticism? he does not have it now, nor did he have it in high school. he certainly didn't just lose it. yes...he will improve, but his ceiling is very low. I could be wrong, if I am I will apologize in any form you wish. I hope he has the success he was expected to have. I'm confidant in my ability to judge talent...I just don't see it.

I agree 100%. I’m confident in being able to evaluate a PG’s talent as well. He just doesn’t have it.

 

[fatguy87]

Askew is a 3-4 year player, isn’t that what most of us have been wanting more of?

John Wall quality players are not gonna stick around more than one year.

Players plenty worse than John Wall don't stick around here more than a year lol

Anyway, glad to have him back. Maybe he makes a huge jump next season, like Briscoe, albeit unlikely. He doesn't ever have to be a star. He could evolve into an solid player, like a senior Hawkins, and be an asset for multiple seasons. That mold would be a hedge against misses in recruiting and a complement to talented underclassman in the backcourt.

 

[crashtestdummy_rivals61973]

too many people judge with bleeding hearts...lets be real in judging his talent. because he wants to be here, works hard, good kid, a 3-4 year player all of this is great. but it is not an accurate measure of talent.

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

can you describe his talent? what does he do now that makes you think he will have success? of course he will improve. he can't get much worse. I have watched/played basketball for over 40 yrs. I'm no expert, but I no talent when I see it. he just doesn't have it

It‘s like I went back in time and am reading the criticisms of former players all over again. It really is identical. I did watch some of his high school games and he looked like a completely different player. And yeah I get it, it’s high school, but his AAU performances against more equal competition were very indicative of a good college career. For arguments sake let’s take his scoring, shooting, and rebounding numbers in high school out of the conversation (because who cares how well he scores or rebounds against high schoolers).

He was praised by professional evaluators and scouts for his ball handling, court vision, and ability to make passes even when pressured by the defense. Like I said, I saw some of his games so I’m not just taking their word for it. He looked like a solid player. I never watched him and thought “WOW! ITS THE NEXT BRANDON KNIGHT! HES GONNA CARRY US TO THE FF!” No, I thought he looked like a promising up and comer who would need time to develop behind Cade (when we were still in the running) or Mintz once the season got rolling.

I saw nothing from him that convinced me he deserved to start or play more 10-15 min a game. But despite being forced into a position he wasn’t ready for he did work hard on the court. And no I’m not saying that all it takes to play UK is hard work. But combine his hard work ethic with the ability he did show in high school and I do think he will be a fine player by his junior/senior season.

I suppose we’re just going to have to agree to disagree. Time will tell whose wrong about Askew.

 

[crashtestdummy_rivals61973]

Players plenty worse than John Wall don't stick around here more than a year lol

Anyway, glad to have him back. Maybe he makes a huge jump next season, like Briscoe, albeit unlikely. He doesn't ever have to be a star. He could evolve into an solid player, like a senior Hawkins, and be an asset for multiple seasons. That mold would be a hedge against misses in recruiting and a complement to talented underclassman in the backcourt.

agreed...and that is the ceiling for D.A.

 

[Jmeeks54thebest]

too many people judge with bleeding hearts...lets be real in judging his talent. because he wants to be here, works hard, good kid, a 3-4 year player all of this is great. but it is not an accurate measure of talent.

Well I don’t think we’ll be getting the level of talent you’re asking for until Cal shakes up his staff. So you can forget about the Cades of the world coming here for a while. Maybe Jaden Bradley if he doesn’t go G league. Big maybe.

And for the record, I have made zero emotional arguments regarding my perception of Askew.

 

[crashtestdummy_rivals61973]

Well I don’t think we’ll be getting the level of talent you’re asking for until Cal shakes up his staff. So you can forget about the Cades of the world coming here for a while. Maybe Jaden Bradley if he doesn’t go G league. Big maybe.

And for the record, I have made zero emotional arguments regarding my perception of Askew.

ok, I hope I'm not asking for too much when I expect more talent at the point guard spot than DA. here at the University of Kentucky!

 

[fatguy87]

And really, if Cal requires an uber athletic wunderkind PG to run a team, his system is quite fragile.

The thing is, a do everything prototypical slashing PG isn't even a requirement to be good at the position. One of the biggest knocks on Curry was that he was weak, mediocre defender, and lacking athleticism. Would Cal be able to win with Curry at PG? Obviously, Curry's jump shooting is another level, but it's an example that there are many ways to be successful at the position.

Perhaps a more apt example would be a guy like Jon Scheyer for Duke on their 2010 championship team. Nobody would be amazed at his ability to penetrate and break down the defense off the bounce. He was average athletically. He was successful by being efficient with the ball, manifested by an extremely low turnover rate, and a good jump shooter.

DA won't ever be in the mold of a Wall or Fox. He isn't going to rack up assists off of dribble penetration. That doesn't preclude him from being a successful point guard. If he can do the other things well, like take care of the ball, shoot the 3, and maybe even defending he can more than compensate for lacking that dimension.

 

[crashtestdummy_rivals61973]

And really, if Cal requires an uber athletic wunderkind PG to run a team, his system is quite fragile.

The thing is, a do everything prototypical slashing PG isn't even a requirement to be good at the position. One of the biggest knocks on Curry was that he was weak, mediocre defender, and lacking athleticism. Would Cal be able to win with Curry at PG? Obviously, Curry's jump shooting is another level, but it's an example that there are many ways to be successful at the position.

Perhaps a more apt example would be a guy like Jon Scheyer for Duke on their 2010 championship team. Nobody would be amazed at his ability to penetrate and break down the defense off the bounce. He was average athletically. He was successful by being efficient with the ball, manifested by an extremely low turnover rate, and a good jump shooter.

DA won't ever be in the mold of a Wall or Fox. He isn't going to rack up assists off of dribble penetration. That doesn't preclude him from being a successful point guard. If he can do the other things well, like take care of the ball, shoot the 3, and maybe even defending he can more than compensate for lacking that dimension.

agreed...but he has not shown the ability to do the things you have stated on a consistent bases. and just having hope that he will Someday, is not good enough as point guard at UK.

 

[Cowtown Cat]

And really, if Cal requires an uber athletic wunderkind PG to run a team, his system is quite fragile.

The thing is, a do everything prototypical slashing PG isn't even a requirement to be good at the position. One of the biggest knocks on Curry was that he was weak, mediocre defender, and lacking athleticism. Would Cal be able to win with Curry at PG? Obviously, Curry's jump shooting is another level, but it's an example that there are many ways to be successful at the position.

Perhaps a more apt example would be a guy like Jon Scheyer for Duke on their 2010 championship team. Nobody would be amazed at his ability to penetrate and break down the defense off the bounce. He was average athletically. He was successful by being efficient with the ball, manifested by an extremely low turnover rate, and a good jump shooter.

DA won't ever be in the mold of a Wall or Fox. He isn't going to rack up assists off of dribble penetration. That doesn't preclude him from being a successful point guard. If he can do the other things well, like take care of the ball, shoot the 3, and maybe even defending he can more than compensate for lacking that dimension.

He has to be able to distribute the basketball. Absolute must for a PG at an elite program. If he doesn’t, we will struggle mightily with him at the point.

What’s the point in having good shooters and rim runners if the PG can’t deliver the ball? A PG is supposed to make everyone around him better. He has to be a table setter. He could play a backup role, if he can’t distribute the ball.

Sorry, I disagree with the notion that he can get by here without being able to set guys up with good passes as the main PG. It basically makes all the other players half as effective without someone to get them the ball in spots where they can score. Not gonna fly at Kentucky.