CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- Rising junior point guard Ashton Hagans is well on his way toward five-star status and may be one of the top two floor generals in his class. Much of it has to do with his defense. He talked about his commitment on that end, heading to Oak Hill next season and a recent visit.
Make no mistake about it, Hagans is a pure point guard. He's all about getting others involved first and playing tough, in your face defense, which helped set him apart at the NBPA Top 100 Camp even though he didn't put up huge scoring numbers.
“I just came in and my mindset was just playing defense because I know it’s the only thing that can really stand out," said Hagans. "I just wanted to play aggressive and pick up 94 feet because I know my team will pick up off of me and pick up the energy.
“Offensively I’m a pass first guard. I like attacking off the screen and finding the open man for the three ball or my big rolling. I need to add my mid range but it’s coming.”
MORE NBPA: Camp Chatter | Guards, Robinson break out
A native of Georgia, Hagans already has offers from programs like Alabama, Iowa State, Auburn, Georgia Tech, Georgia, Miami, Baylor, Florida, Oklahoma State, Wake Forest, Tennessee, Kansas and many others. However, he's in search of better competition and even more exposure so he's headed to national power Oak Hill in Virginia for his junior season.
“Oak Hill is going to give me experience," said Hagans. "I just wanted to play on a bigger stage. More schools will come to see me, I know I already have big schools looking at me, so I’m just waiting for more to come in.”
A week ago, Hagans made his way to Auburn for a camp and had a good experience.
“Auburn was good," said Hagans. "We went up there for camp and that was really nice. But that’s about it for visits right now.”
Still far away from a decision, Hagans plans to get some unofficial visits in during the late summer and early fall but hasn't set anything just yet. When looking at schools, his needs will be pretty basic.
“I just want the staff to love my game," said Hagans. "I want them to really love who I am, that’s going to be it.”