Kentucky G transfer Devin Askew commits to Texas

Shortly after the Texas Longhorns lost 2021 signee Emarion Ellis to Shaka Smart and the Marquette Golden Eagles, new head coach Chris Beard landed the first of many transfers necessary to field a full roster this fall with the addition of former Kentucky Wildcats guard Devin Askew, according to 247Sports.

A former consensus four-star prospect out of California who signed with Kentucky in the 2020 recruiting class, Askew was ranked as the No. 32 player nationally and the No. 7 point guard, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He chose the Wildcats over offers from the likes of Arizona, Kansas, Louisville, Oregon, Texas, and Texas Tech.

So the 6’3, 195-pounder already had a relationship with Beard and assistant coach Ulric Maligi from his first recruiting process.

“I chose Texas because Coach Beard and his coaching staff are completely invested into their players and player development,” Askew told 247Sports. ”They have also watched film on my game and see that my playing style and abilities will thrive in their program.”

Here’s the evaluation of Askew from 247Sports Director of Basketball Scouting Jerry Meyer:

Good physique for a point guard. More of a smooth athlete than an explosive athlete. Great body control and change of pace with enough of a burst. Dangerous three-point shooter with ability to score at all three levels. Has the ball on a string as a handler. Loves hesitation move going right and has a sharp pull up jumper going left. Accurate passer who can deliver on the move and while under duress. Adequate on the ball defender who comes up with steals off the ball. Quality rebounder. High basketball IQ and skill level.

Askew entered the NCAA transfer portal a little more than a week ago after averaging 29 minutes per game for Kentucky as a freshman, averaging 6.5 points per game, 2.9 assists, and 2.6 rebounds. As Meyers notes, Askew was regarded as an excellent shooter out of high school, so Beard surely expects that Askew will improve on his 27.8-percent three-point shooting as a freshman.

Askew also projects as a primary ball handler for Beard this season is point guard Matt Coleman departs as expected, likely sharing those duties with Courtney Ramey if the St. Louis product elects to return for his senior season on the Forty Acres.

In addition to Askew, Beard recently landed former Texas Tech signee Jaylon Tyson and still has numerous more spots to fill in the coming weeks and months.

If the NCAA approves the one-time transfer waiver as expected, Askew will have five seasons to use four years of eligibility.