Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari recently received a commitment from 2019 point guard Ashton Hagans. But with so many weapons already on roster, will Hagans actually reclassify to 2018?
Kentucky basketball coach John Calipari recently received a commitment from 2019 point guard Ashton Hagans. Hagans is an elite point guard, and the type of guard you need in order to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. But with so many weapons already on roster, will Hagans actually reclassify to 2018? If Hagans arrives at UK this fall, how will that impact the team?
It’s difficult to speak about Ashton Hagans in a sense of comparing him to previous Kentucky basketball players. You’ve probably heard the comparisons to John Wall’s speed and athleticism. There are common comparisons to the “motor” and energy of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. He has similar length and style to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Hagans and Quade Green
Ashton Hagans and Quade Green can absolutely play together. Hagans is in a similar mold of Wall, Andrew Harrison, and Isiah Briscoe – drive to the rim before perimeter shots. The speed, athleticism, strength and skill of Hagans make him terrific at getting to the rim. Green is more of a catch-and-shoot guard, or a drive and dish guard. Quade’s shooting ability, and also his passing ability, make him a great fit to play side by side with Hagans.
Hagans and Tyler Herro
Hagans would be a dynamite tandem with Tyler Herro. Herro has a reputation as a knock-down perimeter shooter. This means opponents will have to guard Herro tightly so that he cannot catch and shoot from beyond the arc.
When teams guard shooters tight, they leave open driving lanes. Hagans can find these driving lanes and get to the rim, or force Herro’s man to help and then kick to Herro for an open shot. The same partnership can exist with Jemarl Baker, Wenyen Gabriel and even Immanuel Quickley.
Hagans, Immanuel Quickley and Keldon Johnson
The most exciting connection on this potential Kentucky basketball squad is the trio of Hagans, Quickley, and Keldon Johnson. Hagans ability to play with speed in transition will create several highlight reel opportunities for the athletic tandem of Johnson and Quickley.
Calipari’s infinite wisdom will surely use this three-headed monster to get back to a traditional dribble-drive motion offense. That offense carried him to great success at Memphis, and the 2009-10 Kentucky basketball team with John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins. A lineup with Hagans, Johnson, Quickley, Vanderbilt and Herro would be a dream for Calipari’s dribble drive offense.