Season averages:
Points – 9.8
Rebounds – 2.6
Assists – 2.1
Steals – 1.1
Field goal percentage – 40.1%
Three point percentage – 40.6%
Free throw percentage – 87.2%
Season Highs:
Points – 27 vs Sacred Heart
Rebounds – 8 vs Xavier
Assists – 7 at Providence and vs Xavier
Steals – 4 at Michigan
Threes made – 7 vs Sacred Heart
Overall thoughts:
I was cautiously optimistic when Askew committed to Villanova. I was hopeful that he would accept more of a supporting role as a guard, and that his efficiency from Long Beach State would improve due to less volume. That’s pretty much exactly what happened. And truth be told: I enjoyed the Devin Askew experience.
First off, he won Big East Sixth Man of the Year. Everyone, including Devin in all likelihood, expected him to start as the lone upper class man guard on the roster. But his offseason injury presumably opened the door for Bryce Lindsay to start, and he did not waste the opportunity.
Off the court, Askew embodied everything that we like from our Villanova athletes. The way he spoke to the media would lead you to believe that he’s been on the team for years.
On the court, Askew almost single-handedly won a handful of games for the Wildcats this year. I will remember the Marquette and Providence road games fondly.
The graduate senior played a role as a leader for the young guards and was an effective shooter and ancillary creator for Villanova, which is the role many hoped he would play.
Where Askew got into trouble was trying to create at the rim, as well as getting too iso-heavy at times. The over-dribbling led to turnovers. Defensively, Askew’s athleticism was an issue in defending quick guards. He would often be found out of position.
All things considered, it’s hard to ask for much more from a reserve guard. Perhaps next year there won’t be a need for a replacement, as Villanova currently has five young guards on next year’s roster. But if there’s a need for an addition, someone like Askew would be a welcomed one by me.
Thank you Devin for your contributions this year, and best of luck in your future endeavors.