Villanova in the Pros: Devin Askew’s Summer League Breakout

Villanova product Devin Askew might face the toughest battle of any of the Wildcats’ alumni currently pursuing a professional roster spot in the NBA Summer League. A former five-star recruit and member of the ESPN Top 100, injuries derailed much of Askew’s college career as he bounced from team to team searching for the right fit.

Askew logged the best performance of any of the former Wildcats this offseason on Saturday, July 18, however, putting himself on the map in his lone start for the Phoenix Suns. The 6-foot-5 point guard made seven of 13 shots in 26 minutes played, amassing 20 points, two rebounds, two assists and four steals. He also knocked down three of seven three-point shots, demonstrating his ability to cash in from long range.

Askew’s performance likely comes too late in the Summer League schedule for him to generate legitimate momentum toward a spot with the Suns — Sunday, July 19 marks the last day of the two-week session — but putting out that kind of favorable tape could help him earn a training camp tryout or a G-League contract. Named the Big East Sixth Man of the Year last season, Askew possesses excellent length for a point guard, giving him defensive upside in his pursuit of the professional dream; on the other hand, he’ll turn 24 next week, a disadvantage that has proved difficult for other Villanova products like Eric Dixon to overcome.

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