Kentucky Basketball: Impact of Ashton Hagans' return for 2019-20 season

Kentucky Basketball: Impact of Ashton Hagans’ return to Wildcats for 2019-20

By Alex Weber | Apr 11, 2019

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 08: Ashton Hagans #2 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts after making a basket against the Seton Hall Pirates during the second half of a college basketball game at Madison Square Garden on December 8, 2018 in New York City. Seton Hall defeated Kentucky 84-83 in overtime. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – FEBRUARY 16: The Kentucky Wildcats bench celebrates against Tennessee Volunteers at Rupp Arena on February 16, 2019 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Regarding 2020

With Ashton staying put, the 2020 backcourt is quite the doozy. As it stands, Immanuel Quickley, Ashton Hagans, Tyrese Maxey, Jemarl Baker, and Tyler Herro are filling scholarships in the backcourt. Oh, and how could I forget Brad Calipari and his #BradSwag.

Look, you guys can count better than me I’m sure–but that looks pretty crowded to me. What is that–five or six guards all fighting gladiator-style for playing time? Looks like it. However, I do believe Tyler Herro (a projected first-round pick) will forgo his sophomore season for the National Basketball Association. And as much as I (and the Lexington female population) adore Brad, he’s not getting real minutes.

That leaves Hagans, Maxey, Quickley, and Baker. I would be rather shocked if Ashton comes back and loses his starting spot, so he’s penciled in as the point guard in my eyes. Also, I’d pencil in Tyrese Maxey at the other guard spot (not sharpie yet, Seth Davis). Hagans’ return is a significant positive regarding the 2020 team, but it may push Quickley or Baker out if they sense a reduction in their minutes/role.

Home/Kentucky Wildcats