Hagans declares for the NBA draft

[Cats192]

I always looked at it as a “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours”. Although it seems, as kentucky fans, we don’t “get our backs scratched” by a lot of the players.

I think that's what I was trying to say in a very long-winded manner.

Come in, become the best version of yourself, and go to the NBA when you've reached it. Not come in, play 1-2 seasons, and go pro before you're actually ready.

I think we're all tired of the "I'll get drafted on potential, but never see the court" guys going pro. Hagans left on a sour note, and that may be how he's remembered at UK.

A junior Hagans may be the best PG in the country. A Junior Quickley would probably be an All-American.

A junior Gabriel is a special player. A junior Briscoe is a very good player. A Jr. Dakari Johnson is probably a monster.

And guys that produce similar to these guys come back to their schools. But we recruit guys with a pedigree--and they expect to be making $$ sooner than later. And they show up, get exposure, go pro--and if we didn't see any big-time results--oh well.

 

[kl40504]

I think that's what I was trying to say in a very long-winded manner.

Come in, become the best version of yourself, and go to the NBA when you've reached it. Not come in, play 1-2 seasons, and go pro before you're actually ready.

I think we're all tired of the "I'll get drafted on potential, but never see the court" guys going pro. Hagans left on a sour note, and that may be how he's remembered at UK.

A junior Hagans may be the best PG in the country. A Junior Quickley would probably be an All-American.

A junior Gabriel is a special player. A junior Briscoe is a very good player. A Jr. Dakari Johnson is probably a monster.

And guys that produce similar to these guys come back to their schools. But we recruit guys with a pedigree--and they expect to be making $$ sooner than later. And they show up, get exposure, go pro--and if we didn't see any big-time results--oh well.

Do you think these guys at Wichita State are ready for the pros?
Leaving Wichita State:

Jamarius Burton, 6-4, 200, G, Soph., (10.3 ppg, 3.4 apg)

Noah Fernandes, 5-11, 175, G, Fr., (1.4 ppg)

DeAntoni Gordon, 6-7, 210, F, Fr., (0.8 ppg)

Grant Sherfield, 6-2, 190, G, Fr., (8.1 ppg)

Erik Stevenson, 6-4, 200, G, Soph., (11.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg

 

[tarheelguy124]

I remember thinking in the Elite 8 vs Auburn last year that I hope he just leaves.

This one doesn’t phase me in the slightest.

If IQ leaves, that will hurt.

Cal has done a great job taking freshmen and turning them into a team and also vastly improving them if they don't leave. but it is getting harder and harder to forge a real team. It is most like college baseball but worse. Roy Williams is a great coach but he found out how hard it is this year.

 

[seccats04]

Addition by subtraction. Kid was more focused on showing out for the NBA than playing for UK, thus causing him to try to do too much and making a ton of turnovers and having a mental breakdown. I didn't want him to be a distraction next year.

 

[docholiday51]

Well,bye

 

[CatColumbia]

Good luck to him. Served his two years which is the new norm in college basketball. Needs to improve on his outside shooting, decision making and emotional stability to have a chance. If those things don’t improve drastically in 2-3 years he’ll be playing out his career in Bosnia.

 

[MychalG]

Good Luck in the G-League Ashton. Hope you enjoy the bus rides..It makes me want to puke when these players say how much they love UK and then leave after one or 2 years..Oh well. I am to point to where I don't give 2 craps about who stays, who leaves and who Cal recruits. I just sit back and watch who ever is on the team, Then I read or listen to Cal's year after year excuse, "We are so young, we are probably one of the youngest teams in the country" That speech has grown old and tired with me. Cal has one "Ship" at UK when we all know he has recruited the talent to have 2-3 more. Oh well, I have more to be concerned with now in my life than UK BB. Like trying not to get the Covid-19 virus and dealing with my wife who lost her job and the family business that she has worked for the last 27 years will probably not recover. That is more concerning to me than these young over hyped BB players. Just like Juzang, Whitney and the rest who will leave the team, I don't care what the hell happens to them after they take off the UK uniform.

 

[chattanoogawildcat]

Good riddance, clown. He cost us a Final 4 last year with his epic sh!t the bed performance against Auburn in the Elite 8. I guarantee you he would've been the main one responsible for us getting bounced this year as well. A headcase clown of a player.

 

[FrankUnderwood]

Didn’t even leave the door open for a return with that statement. Mark this one as another early departure that will never be heard of again. Another missed shot at continuity.

Agreed but I am not the least bit surprised. I expect to just lose 4-8 guys every year now.

 

[FrankUnderwood]

Anyone with a brain knew he and Maxey were the 2 who had zero chance of coming back. Hagans will be drafted between 25-40 . I think IQ will be in the same range too. It is Richards and EJ that interest me as while Richards MIGHT get drafted it isn't a sure thing. EJ obviously won't .

Haven't read this thread as I know there won't be much logic in it and people saying he won't make the NBA blah blah blah but they are letting their hate cloud their minds ( and Hagans last month here ) and haven't looked at mocks as he is pretty much consistently a top 35ish pick by everyone .

Also it makes sense for him to leave due to what we have coming in. He was 3rd fiddle here this season and he would be no better then that next season with Boston and Clarke . And Askew is a very different player but just as good a passer and ball handler as Hagans is now .

It makes sense from all angles.

Why do you have to act so chode like when not agreeing with what others are saying dude? Cmon man. You have made yourself look super silly with your guaranteed projections and predictions. Wisemen was a lock to UK and you made fun of people for saying otherwise and KW was a sure fire lottery pick and you ripped apart and “LOL hahahaha” at people who called you on it. Those are just the examples off the top of my head

It’s not that you make ridiculous predictions sometimes...its your tone and how you try to make fun of other fans for not aligning with your views or opinions.

The epitome of pot meeting kettle

 

[Mozes-Prince22]

7

8

Scanned the whole thread to make sure I didn’t skip a number...

I wish him the best. Poor guy is delusional though. You know the person in class or friend group who tries to make jokes and thinks they’re funny? This is basically the equivalent. He thinks he’s better than he is. It’s sad too because he’s not even getting a degree out of this. He’s going to make decent money MAYBE in the D-League and then he’s out 3-4 years from now and has nothing to show for it. Back to square one

 

[FrankUnderwood]

Good riddance, clown. He cost us a Final 4 last year with his epic sh!t the bed performance against Auburn in the Elite 8. I guarantee you he would've been the main one responsible for us getting bounced this year as well. A headcase clown of a player.

Sheesh man. I am not a big fan of his either, I’m not remotely sad or upset he’s leaving (tired of the O&D but I get it) but why so much aggression and rage? It’s not THAT serious bro. Relax man!

 

[Ed323232]

Why can’t fans just wish him well. It’s his life. If it’s a mistake then it’s his to make. All you posters that trashed him every game starting picking who your whipping boy will be next year.

 

[TheBlueMax]

View embedded media

Despite trying to convince myself of something different, this is yet another point at which we all realize that we're not just a smooth "players' first" conduit that helps achieve dreams, we're a basketball factory (a business of sorts) where degrees, school, and the collegiate experience that truly helps you become a man are all secondary.

I'm all for leaving early when you are guaranteed a job, and a good job. No need for a degree in Spanish Literature of the 1500s if you're going to be paid handsomely doing something else, especially playing a game!

Simple question. Why? Why leave now?

How in the hell did we ever get to this point? What is the hurry? Let's see, for just guards, Marquis Teague, Doron Lamb, Isaiah Briscoe, and now put one more on the ash(ton) heap. Some of you will mightily disagree, but look at the dreams that have been shattered or made so difficult by hasty decisions to leave that many never got off the ground. What little money made is likely gone, and chances squandered because now they realize that it's a man's game and a forgiving business.

I'm a huge Ashton fan, but this is disturbing to me and one can only wonder aloud how we let these kinds of decisions happen and why.

 

[Ed323232]

Despite trying to convince myself of something different, this is yet another point at which we all realize that we're not just a smooth "players' first" conduit that helps achieve dreams, we're a basketball factory (a business of sorts) where degrees, school, and the collegiate experience that truly helps you become a man are all secondary.

I'm all for leaving early when you are guaranteed a job, and a good job. No need for a degree in Spanish Literature of the 1500s if you're going to be paid handsomely doing something else, especially playing a game!

Simple question. Why? Why leave now?

How in the hell did we ever get to this point? What is the hurry? Let's see, for just guards, Marquis Teague, Doron Lamb, Isaiah Briscoe, and now put one more on the ash(ton) heap. Some of you will mightily disagree, but look at the dreams that have been shattered or made so difficult by hasty decisions to leave that many never got off the ground. What little money made is likely gone, and chances squandered because now they realize that it's a man's game and a forgiving business.

I'm a huge Ashton fan, but this is disturbing to me and one can only wonder aloud how we let these kinds of decisions happen and why.

“we” don’t let anything happen. It’s “his” choice. Not yours not mine. I would bet deep down he knows he’s not ready. But it’s his life.

 

[shaudyshaud]

I get it, it's just funny, like none of us watched the season unfold.

As a fan I agree and get what you’re saying. On the Coach Cal side of things he knows these guys and their family on a personal level while we don’t . It’s a lot easier for us to criticize Ashton without us knowing him personally . I don’t think Cal will ever not show support for a guy that leaves this program whether is to the draft or by transfer . He always will have nice things to say about them publicly which is smart. One thing another coach can’t use against Cal is saying he’s sour towards a guy on the way out .

 

[STL_Cat]

See ya dude. Shouldn’t be drafted top 50.

 

[Poetax]

Not just testing the waters smh


Good luck to him though

To me Hagans was the one who was so disappointed in his play that he wants to prove that he can make the next level. I don't know if EJ feels the same way but we should find out shortly whether he listens or goes against the information. Q and Richards deserve to make the move, they both did better then ANY of our fans thought possible and they may not have another year in college that could improve them so I say good bye to both of them.

 

[STL_Cat]

He can’t shoot, he’s a turnover machine, a good but definitely not pro level ball handier, and he’s not overly athletic.

He won’t play more than 1 season in the NBA. That’s what I think. Maybe he’ll prove me wrong.

 

[Cats192]

Do you think these guys at Wichita State are ready for the pros?
Leaving Wichita State:

Jamarius Burton, 6-4, 200, G, Soph., (10.3 ppg, 3.4 apg)

Noah Fernandes, 5-11, 175, G, Fr., (1.4 ppg)

DeAntoni Gordon, 6-7, 210, F, Fr., (0.8 ppg)

Grant Sherfield, 6-2, 190, G, Fr., (8.1 ppg)

Erik Stevenson, 6-4, 200, G, Soph., (11.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg

They’re all tranferring?

 

[drcats2013]

Let’s look at the positive side of this: Hagans goes ahead and declares now, and that let’s Quickley know the PG position is unequivocally his. Come on back and play your way into the first round, showing NBA teams you can run the offense, and be a deadly knock down shooter. There’s money to be made here.

 

[zannmann]

Hope he likes the weather in Turkey.

 

[crawfords corner]

Time for Ashton to sink or swim. Good luck to him even if I don't agree with the decision.

 

[UKWildcatT]

He can’t shoot, he’s a turnover machine, a good but definitely not pro level ball handier, and he’s not overly athletic.

He won’t play more than 1 season in the NBA. That’s what I think. Maybe he’ll prove me wrong.

he’s a really good “gamble defender”, but I don’t think he’s an elite defender whatsoever

 

[docholiday51]

Let's say he was at Duke,UNC or UGA and had the same season just completed would he be making the jump to the NBA? Would his projected draft stock be the same?

 

[SuporChin]

I'm kind of okay with this. It's one thing for a kid to struggle. Harrow struggled when he really missed being at home. Teague didn't struggle, but it took him a while to realize his role in the team. Hagans just never seemed like he got it and now his career is over after he quit on his team. Best of luck to the kid, and I hope he finds a situation where he can grow up.

 

[STL_Cat]

Let's say he was at Duke,UNC or UGA and had the same season just completed would he be making the jump to the NBA? Would his projected draft stock be the same?

Is his projected stock even that high? I bet he doesn’t get picked top 40.

 

[docholiday51]

Is his projected stock even that high? I bet he doesn’t get picked top 40.

Don't know for sure but I agree with you. i don't think it is the best decision for the kid but I'm not sorry to see him go based on the way the season ended for him.

 

[U Go UK]

I mean.. he DID play here for two years. I think were asking a bit much to return a top15 player for his 3rd year..

How about a college student/athlete staying 4 years? Not too much to ask.

Every year the only thing fans can count on is the heartache of losing these kids.

 

[kyups01]

Hagans was a dumbass team cancer who quit on this team...glad he quit his basketball career by leaving lol because he'll never play his first minute in the NBA

 

[westerncat]

I don' think it is hate when most people says he won't make it in the NBA. A lot of UK fans on here know basketball. I do wish him well but he will most likely go mid 2nd round and play in the G league for a few years. Don't see him being in the NBA for long.

 

[Cawood86]

Not at all surprised he is leaving. Whatever happened at the end of the season sort of quaranteed that.
Cal is never going to publicly hurt a kid, but it must have been pretty bad. The team showed they could win without him. I hope he gets to live out his dream.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

This is a crazy statement, but I get it. It places the emphasis on high school ranking rather than NBA readiness. Hagans is 2nd round draft pick. What we have now is a system where being a 2nd round draftee is preferred rather than being good enough for a guaranteed 1st rounder. Hagans is an ultimate 3-4 year player in reality, regardless of high school ranking.

In his head hes not..and honestly, in his ability hes probably ready for the league also.. he just has a low basketball IQ and isn't mentally ready. I agreed, he needs another year.. but most top15 recruits are gone by their 2nd year. It is what it is.

 

[Cawood86]

How about a college student/athlete staying 4 years? Not too much to ask.

Every year the only thing fans can count on is the heartache of losing these kids.

DO you think Davis, Wall, Cousins, Towns, etc should have stayed 4 years?

 

[LineSkiCat14]

How about a college student/athlete staying 4 years? Not too much to ask.

Every year the only thing fans can count on is the heartache of losing these kids.

Plenty of players dont play all 4 years. This isnt anything new.

Honestly, why are people even upset? This is a good thing: Hagans going no matter what. It gives coaches a firm answer, it lets recruits know there's a spot, it lets current players know there's playing time, and it saves us fan from having another chance of Hagans walking away from the team.

Ive never been more "non phased" by a player leaving. I think IQ can be just as productive.. and i think Askew can be as well. Hagans' numbers were near putrid to end the season.. no reason our next pg cant average 10 pts 5 assists and 4 turnovers..

 

[kl40504]

They’re all tranferring?

Yes. And that is going to happen more and more with the liberal transfer rules. If they don't go pro they will pull a Johnny Juzang. This is not a UK problem but a college basketball problem.

 

[Ed323232]

Hagans was a dumbass team cancer who quit on this team...glad he quit his basketball career by leaving lol because he'll never play his first minute in the NBA

Classy

 

[kl40504]

Hagans was a dumbass team cancer who quit on this team...glad he quit his basketball career by leaving lol because he'll never play his first minute in the NBA

And you are ridiculous.

 

[Ed323232]

I don' think it is hate when most people says he won't make it in the NBA. A lot of UK fans on here know basketball. I do wish him well but he will most likely go mid 2nd round and play in the G league for a few years. Don't see him being in the NBA for long.

What did you think about hami when he left?

 

[kyjeff1]

Do you think these guys at Wichita State are ready for the pros?
Leaving Wichita State:

Jamarius Burton, 6-4, 200, G, Soph., (10.3 ppg, 3.4 apg)

Noah Fernandes, 5-11, 175, G, Fr., (1.4 ppg)

DeAntoni Gordon, 6-7, 210, F, Fr., (0.8 ppg)

Grant Sherfield, 6-2, 190, G, Fr., (8.1 ppg)

Erik Stevenson, 6-4, 200, G, Soph., (11.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg

I've already explained this to you in a different thread. The guys from WSU transferred, they aren't going to the draft.

Are you unable to see the difference between a transfer and an early draft entry?

Apparently not.