Devin Askew Emerges as Key Leader for Villanova Wildcats After Six Year Odyssey
Graduate transfer Devin Askew has become a pivotal figure for the Villanova Wildcats during the 2025-2026 season, marking the final chapter of a collegiate career that spans six years and five different universities. The former Mater Dei High School standout, who was originally recruited by Villanova while in high school before committing to Kentucky, recently scored 20 points off the bench in a victory over Providence, helping propel the Wildcats to a 16-5 record.
Askew’s journey to the Main Line has been defined by high-profile transfers and injury setbacks. After reclassifying to the class of 2020, he began his career starting 20 games for the Kentucky Wildcats. Following a freshman season where he averaged 6.5 points per game, he transferred to Texas for his sophomore year, where his playing time decreased under then-coach Chris Beard. He subsequently moved to the University of California, where he showcased scoring potential—averaging 15.5 points per game in 2022—but saw two consecutive seasons cut short by sports hernia and foot injuries.
Before arriving at Villanova, Askew revitalized his career during the 2024-2025 season at Long Beach State. Staying healthy for the first time in years, he posted career-high averages of 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, earning Honorable Mention All-Big West honors. This performance secured his return to high-major basketball with Villanova for his final year of eligibility.
Despite his current success, analysts have frequently raised objections regarding Askew’s efficiency and turnover rates throughout his career. Critics often cited his field goal percentage, which hovered below 40% during his stops at Kentucky and Texas, and questioned his ability to lead a winning program given the instability of his transfer history. Additionally, questions regarding his durability persisted after he played only 19 combined games during his two years at Cal.
However, Askew has addressed these concerns by providing veteran stability and perimeter scoring for Villanova. Head Coach Kevin Willard has utilized Askew effectively as both a facilitator and a scorer, praising his resilience and practice habits. As Villanova positions itself for a postseason run, Askew’s experience across multiple conferences—the SEC, Big 12, Pac-12, Big West, and now the Big East—serves as a unique asset for a team looking to capitalize on his long-awaited return to full health.
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