Chris Beard says Devin Askew can be one of Texas' "all-time greats"

At the time of his commitment to Kentucky, Devin Askew was rated as the No. 1 point guard in the class of 2021. Seen as one of the best floor generals and winners at his age, there was plenty of optimism surrounding his addition.

Askew then reclassified to 2020, skipping his senior season of high school to take over the starting point guard role at Kentucky as an 18-year-old. He got the experience — one hell of an experience, for better or worse — playing 29.0 minutes per contest and starting 20 of UK’s 25 games in 2020-21.

There were bright moments — Askew finished in double figures seven times, including a 14-point, five-rebound, four-assist performance against Tennessee in February — but plenty of struggles. He averaged just 6.5 points, 2.9 assists, 2.6 rebounds and shot 34.5% from the field and 27.8% from three to go with 2.0 turnovers per contest. And he did so on a team that desperately needed consistency and high-level production at the point guard position.

You know the rest of the story. Kentucky would go on to finish 9-16 on the year, losing in the first round of the SEC Tournament and missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013. After briefly planning a return to school, Askew would put his name in the transfer portal and ultimately commit to Texas. The former five-star point guard was one of six departures for the program this offseason.

Moving on from Kentucky

Now at Texas, Askew is ready to move on from his time in Lexington.

“I had fun,” Askew told reporters Wednesday. “Was playing basketball, so there’s not much more to say. I was having fun, love the game of basketball and got to play. Had fun.”

His first year in college didn’t go as planned, but Texas head coach Chris Beard still has high expectations for Askew in Austin.

“I know he’s one of the best young players in college basketball,” said Beard. “There’s going to be a major role for him on this year’s team.”

After arriving in Austin this past summer, Beard says Askew is doing the “right things” and improving every day. He’s no longer thinking back to his time in Lexington, he’s only focused on bettering himself as a Longhorn.

“What I would tell you from (Devin), he’s all about the right things,” said Beard. “He literally is a guy that’s running his own race. Every day, he finds value in improving. He plays possession by possession.

“I don’t think he’s looking too far ahead. I know he’s not looking behind anymore.”

Askew an all-time great?

Beard’s optimism doesn’t stop there. Not only is he pleased with Askew’s current growth as a player, he sees an incredibly bright future for the young point guard.

A really, really bright future for Askew, at that.

“I don’t want to put all the weight on his shoulders,” said Beard. “But I’ve got no problem telling you, if he stays the course, he’ll end up being one of the all-time greats.”

As for Askew, he just wants to get back to playing winning basketball. After exploring his transfer options, he felt Texas was the best place to make that happen.

“Honestly, I just wanted to win. I love winning,” said Askew. “With the culture here, that’s something they embrace and really take pride in. I wanted to be a part of it.”

Askew put his name in the portal on April 5 before committing to Texas eight days later on April 13. Kentucky ultimately replaced him with Georgia transfer Sahvir Wheeler and five-star freshman TyTy Washington at the point guard spot.