Vincent Askew
Vincent Askew | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 28, 1966 Memphis, Tennessee, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Professional basketball player, coach, scout |
| Years active | 1987–1998 (playing career) |
| Known for | NBA player for multiple teams, CBA MVP, basketball coach |
Vincent Jerome Askew (born February 28, 1966) is a retired American professional basketball athlete who spent nine seasons competing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) across eight different franchises. Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall and playing as a guard-forward, Askew developed his skills at Memphis State University. Raised primarily by his grandmother, who was mother to 13 children and guardian to Askew and three cousins, he cultivated a multifaceted style on the court.
College career
After graduating from Frayser High School, Askew enrolled at Memphis State University. He played a pivotal role on the Tigers' 1984–85 team that advanced to the Final Four, demonstrating versatility by effectively performing both inside the paint and as a point guard. His efforts earned him a place on the Metro All-Freshman Team.
In 1986, Askew briefly contemplated transferring to the University of Kansas but ultimately chose to remain at Memphis State. During this recruitment period, Kansas coach Larry Brown provided Askew with airfare to visit his ailing grandmother, an action that breached NCAA regulations. This violation resulted in NCAA penalties against Kansas for offering improper recruiting incentives amounting to a minimum of $1,244.
Askew completed three seasons with the Tigers prior to entering the professional ranks.
NBA career
The Philadelphia 76ers selected Askew in the second round as the 39th overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft. Following only 14 appearances, he was released and briefly joined the Washington Bullets before transitioning to the Continental Basketball Association (CBA).
He made an NBA return with the Golden State Warriors toward the end of the 1991 season, then had a partial season with the Sacramento Kings. Subsequently, he spent four seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics, where he averaged approximately six points, four rebounds, and two assists per game. Later trades sent him to the New Jersey Nets for a single game and then to the Indiana Pacers. Pacers head coach Larry Brown commended Askew as an outstanding defender and a selfless competitor dedicated entirely to team success.
Askew also had short tenures with the Denver Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers, with his time at Portland ending when he was waived during the 1997–1998 campaign.
At 6-foot-6, Askew was regarded as a versatile contributor capable of impacting both inside and on the perimeter. He earned recognition for his defensive prowess and developed a dependable jump shot later in his career. Over 467 NBA games, he amassed 3,313 points, averaging 7.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while playing roughly 20 minutes per contest. His personal best scoring output in an NBA game was 21 points.
Professional career outside the NBA
Askew holds distinction as the sole player awarded Most Valuable Player honors in back-to-back years (1990 and 1991) within the CBA. He was named to the All-CBA First Team both years and secured a place on the All-Defensive Team in 1991. Additionally, he briefly participated in competition within the World Basketball League.
Abroad, Askew competed in Italy’s Serie A for Arimo Bologna in 1989 and played for Serie A2 clubs Emmezeta Udine (1990–1991) and Sidis Reggio Emilia in 1992.
Following his NBA tenure, Askew encountered difficulties obtaining consistent contracts overseas. European records indicate several agreements where he ultimately did not appear in games, including a 2001 contract with Roseto that remained inactive. A Euroleague scouting assessment described him as an experienced NBA veteran aiming to demonstrate dependability in Europe while managing personal financial responsibilities.
Retirement
Following his release from Portland in 1998, Askew made his way back to Memphis, where he earned a degree in marketing and began scouting for Memphis coach John Calipari, which ignited his passion for coaching. Under the guidance of mentor George Karl, he spent three years coaching in Italy.
Askew later took the helm at Elliston Baptist Academy but encountered disputes due to the use of ineligible players and a confrontational coaching approach. In 2004, he assumed the head coaching position at Rossville Christian Academy. Despite violations of recruitment rules set by the Mississippi Private School Association, he successfully led the RCA Rebels to capture the Class A State Championship.
In 2005, Askew became head coach of the Tacoma Navigators, an ABA expansion team, utilizing his former NBA reputation to boost marketing efforts. He went on to coach the Albany Patroons in the CBA during the 2007–08 campaign, concluding the season with a 21–27 record.
In 2014, Askew organized "Holiday Hoop It Up" in Memphis, where he also openly discussed his spiritual journey and baptism experience.
CBS Los Angeles acknowledged Askew as one of the figures behind the "10 Biggest NBA Trade Deadline Deals."