NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Impact of five-star Devin Askew going to Kentucky
Where the “losers” go from here
Arizona Wildcats
Being the lone west coast program from the four finalists, the Wildcats had at least an outside shot at landing the California star. In the end though, it always felt that at least one of the state of Kentucky schools was going to land Askew. The point guard issue remains for Arizona after this upcoming season with the assumption of Nico Mannion going pro and Max Hazzard graduating.
Considering that the program is very likely to get a “notice of allegations” from the NCAA after the DeAndre Ayton saga, Sean Miller and Arizona are much more likely to land a recruiting class similar to 2018 than either 2017 or 2019. The pending dark cloud will certainly have an effect on the trail, looking to add to already committed top-35 wing Dalen Terry.
Memphis Tigers
After a great Spring on the recruiting trail, Penny Hardaway and Memphis has recently gone on a cold spell. Players such as Dashien Nix, Isaiah Todd and others have picked other schools than Memphis, leaving them without a commit in either the 2020 or 2021 class. There’s a possibility that players in those classes will wait to see the on the court product before committing, which could easily determine how strong their future classes will be.
The Tigers could still land a five-star talent in the 2021 class in Moussa Cisse, currently ranked in the top-10 and is from Memphis, Tennessee. They weren’t ever considered a frontrunner for Askew during this process but still gets a little boost from being in the picture along with the heavyweights.
Louisville Cardinals
Tough break for Louisville, who at one point was viewed as a favorite to land Askew. This is the second time in a month’s span that has happened (Caleb Love to UNC) for the program, looking to continue the strong momentum of Chris Mack’s strong 2019 class. They still got their big target in No. 1 ranked JUCO prospect Jay Scrubb and aren’t in a huge need for other additions in the 2020-21 group.
The Cardinals have shown that they will be contenders for top talent, including class of 2021 prospects Aminu Mohammed and Khristian Lander. They may not be able to get either but between transfers and Coach Mack’s ability to develop, Louisville will be fine. And unlike Arizona, there’s no worries off the court for the program – a nice change of pace for them.