I remember watching Devin Askew’s high school highlights and thinking he was exactly the kind of floor general Kentucky needed. His poise, his vision, the way he controlled the tempo—it felt like a perfect match. But as we all saw, his lone season in Lexington didn’t go as planned. Averaging just 6.5 points and 2.6 assists per game while shooting under 35% from the field, Askew struggled to find his rhythm in John Calipari’s system. When he entered the transfer portal last spring, the question on everyone’s mind was whether this promising guard could revive a career that once held so much promise.
I’ve always believed that environment plays a huge role in a player’s development, maybe even more than raw talent. At Kentucky, the spotlight is relentless, and for a freshman still adjusting to the college game, that pressure can be overwhelming. Askew’s decision to transfer to Texas felt like a smart move—a chance to reset, to find a system that better suits his skills. But then again, I’ve seen plenty of highly-touted recruits struggle to bounce back after a disappointing start. It’s not just about talent; it’s about mindset, fit, and sometimes, a little bit of luck.
Reading that quote from Coach Austria—"We can’t dwell on that. We have to refocus on another mission namin"—really struck a chord with me. It’s a sentiment that applies perfectly to Askew’s situation. His time at Kentucky, much like a past championship, is now part of history. There’s no use looking back and wondering what could have been. The real challenge—and opportunity—lies ahead. For Askew, this means embracing a new role, a new team, and a new mission. From what I’ve observed, players who succeed after transferring are the ones who fully commit to that clean slate. They don’t carry the baggage of past failures; they use it as fuel.
At Texas, Askew joined a program with its own ambitions, and early reports suggested he was making strides. But let’s be honest—the transition wasn’t seamless. In his first season with the Longhorns, he averaged around 4.8 points and 2.1 assists in limited minutes. Those numbers won’t blow anyone away, but I think they miss the bigger picture. Askew was never going to be an overnight sensation. His game is built on control, on making the right reads, on being a steadying presence. Those qualities don’t always show up in the stat sheet, but they matter. I remember watching a game against Kansas where his defensive positioning and unselfish ball movement stood out, even if he only scored six points. Sometimes, it’s the little things that signal a player is turning the corner.
Still, I won’t sugarcoat it—the road ahead is tough. The NCAA is loaded with talented guards, and Askens will need to improve his outside shooting (he shot just 27% from three at Texas last season) to stay on the floor. But here’s where I’m optimistic: I’ve seen flashes of the player he was meant to be. In a matchup against Baylor, he dished out seven assists with zero turnovers, reminding everyone of the court vision that made him a top-30 recruit. That’s the version of Askew that can not only rebound but thrive. It’s about consistency, and I think another year in college—maybe even a graduate transfer for extra eligibility—could do wonders for his development.
Looking at the bigger picture, Askew’s journey reminds me of other players who found success after leaving blue-blood programs. Take Kyle Wiltjer, for example. He won a title at Kentucky but didn’t truly break out until he transferred to Gonzaga, where he became a star. Or more recently, Johnny Juzang, whose transfer to UCLA turned him into a March Madness legend. The common thread? They found the right fit. For Askew, that might mean a system that prioritizes half-court execution or a coach who trusts him with the ball in his hands late in games. It’s not about starting over; it’s about finding the right puzzle to complete.
So, will Devin Askew’s basketball career rebound after his Kentucky departure? My gut says yes, but with a caveat—it’s going to take time. He’s only 20, with plenty of basketball ahead of him. If he continues to embrace the process, refines his jumper, and lands in a situation that highlights his strengths, I believe he can carve out a meaningful career, whether in college or beyond. The past is behind him, just as Coach Austria said. Now, it’s all about the next mission. And if you ask me, I’m betting on Askew to make it count.
