The three biggest takeaways from Saturday’s win over GT
By Luke Bennett
Ashton Hagans is a STAR
As if it was ever a question, this is Ashton Hagan‘s team. Similar to the Tyler Ulis era, Cal has been outspoken about who’s hands the team rests in – his sophomore guard. After testing the waters for the NBA, Hagans’ return to Lexington has come as much more than a test in leadership and stock boost, but an extremely revealing showcase.
Ashton Hagans is trying to prove that he is the best point guard in the nation. And better yet, Calipari agrees.
“I need to know who is better than him,” Calipari said after Kentucky’s win over UAB, where Hagans thrived. “Like, I don’t see it. I mean, I — oh, this kid and that kid and that kid. Well, let me tell you, you win games with guys like him. You do.”
Saturday night, Hagans flirted with a triple-double scoring 21 points on 8-10 shooting. The best part? Hagans showed he can make defenses pay, finally, making two threes on just three attempts. He also recorded seven assists, seven rebounds (a high mark for the point guard), and two steals.
The last testament to his rising stardom came from his staple, defense. Hagans shut down Bubba Parham, the VMI transfer who lit the Cats up for 35-points and 10 threes last year, allowing less than four field goals and just ten points.
If Ashton keeps this up, he will be among – if not THE – best point guard in the country.