Kentucky writer gives the scoop on new Suns guard Devin Booker
Jun 28, 2015, 12:41 PM | Updated: 12:42 pm
Devin Booker is the latest former Kentucky guard to join the Phoenix Suns. Brett Dawson, a Kentucky hoops writer for Rivals.com joined Arizona Sports Saturday on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM to give the lowdown on Booker.
“The one really valuable thing about his Kentucky experience is that it sort of taught him how to be a role player,” Dawson said. “He was a star in high school.”
The former Kentucky guard averaged 10 points, 2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game as a freshman.
Booker is the latest Kentucky player to come to the Suns. The No. 13 selection by the Suns has Booker joining former Wildcats such as Eric Bledsoe, Archie Goodwin, and Brandon Knight.
Kentucky’s roster this past season was crowded with talent. There was a lot of competition at guard with Andrew Harrison and Aaron Harrison taking a large chunk of the playing time. Aaron in particular was known for taking the big shots, which didn’t allow Booker to show that part of his game.
“He’s a guy who craves the opportunity to be there and make those kinds of plays,” Dawson said. “I don’t think he got the opportunity to show that at Kentucky.”
Booker was the youngest player drafted and there is a reason to not expect much from him right away.
“I don’t think he’s going to be a guy who carries a big load early,” Dawson said.
Suns fans can still expect a big role from Booker in the future.
“[Booker can] be a guy who comes in, gives you minutes off the bench, [as] a second year guy,” Dawson said.
Booker’s ability to shoot and get space for his shot is what Suns fans can expect.
“If you need a guy who can stretch a defense and come off some screens and make threes [he’s your guy],” Dawson said.
“I think he’s got a chance to be a really valuable player there,” Dawson said. “You need those kinds of guys.”
