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Kentucky basketball: Devin Askew transfer continues exodus out of Lexington

By Patrick Schmidt

Kentucky Wildcats guard Devin Askew (2) dribbles the ball during the second half of the game against the Florida Gators at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Arden Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Kentucky Wildcats guard Devin Askew (2) dribbles the ball during the second half of the game against the Florida Gators at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Arden Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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.Kentucky basketball is losing another talented player with the decision by Devin Askew to enter the transfer portal.

After the worst season of Kentucky basketball in several decades, players are leaving Lexington at a rapid pace for a change of scenery or a chance at the NBA.

Devin Askew is the latest Wildcat to enter the transfer portal and the second Kentucky basketball player to enter the portal this offseason, following Cam’Ron Fletcher.

Askew came to Kentucky with a lot of potential as a former No. 1 point guard recruit out of Mater Dei high school in California, but he struggled in his lone season with the Wildcats. Askew averaged 6.5 points and 2.9 assists per game while making 20 starts.

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“I am thankful for the opportunity I had to play basketball at the University of Kentucky,” Askew said in a statement released by Kentucky. “I am also thankful for the coaching staff as they provided an experience that contributed to my development in this game I love. My teammates will be my friends forever and I appreciate how they pushed me day in and day out to get better.

“With that being said, it will be part of my growth in this game to explore a new opportunity and enter the transfer portal.”

If Askew is looking to transfer to a program closer to home, he could be looking at UCLA who is coming off a Final Four run and could be one of the top-ranked teams next year. The Bruins didn’t offer him out of high school but could have a spot for him. Additionally, USC, where a number of Mater Dei products go to play football, did offer Askew and are coming off a successful run to the Elite Eight.

Kentucky basketball has had 5 players leave the program this offseason

Askew reclassified to enter college early so his freshman season should have been his senior year of high school. Wherever Askew ends up will be getting a former five-star recruit with a ton of potential who would still technically be a freshman-aged prospect.

Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari understands the decision by Askew and will be supporting him in his next chapter.

“This is the part of the business I hate,” Calipari said. “I wish I could coach every kid for four years, but I have to respect Devin’s decision and I do. I will always be here to help him. My hope – and I told him this – is that he takes the fight he learned here with him wherever he goes. He was a great teammate and improved in so many ways as the season wore on. I will be rooting for Devin as he takes this next step.”

With Askew and Fletcher entering the transfer portal and Brandon Boston Jr., Terrence Clarke and Isaiah Jackson entering the NBA Draft, the Kentucky basketball roster will be a lot different next year.

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