Askew attempts to dispel confusion over coaching position

Vincent Askew, former Memphis State University and NBA basketball player who has expressed interest in becoming Kennett High School's (KHS) next basketball coach, has attempted to dispel some confusion regarding his contact with KHS officials about their coaching position. He spoke with the Daily Dunklin Democrat yesterday.

The confusion concerns an issue raised by Kennett Board of Education member Pat Allen in a recent story in the Daily Dunklin Democrat titled Former MSU, NBA player may not become coach at Kennett.

"Allen asserted, based on conversations she says she has had with Askew, that Askew believed he had been offered the position," the story read.

Askew, however, says that he was never promised anything.

"I was told that Kennett High School was in a search for a coach and that he [Callewaert] wanted to speak with me to see if there possibly could be a situation there," said Askew, "I was never promised anything. I heard that somebody said that I was, but that's not true. I'm an honest guy."

Askew said that the only thing he and Callewaert ever talked about was the possibility of his employment with the school and what he could do to help the school's academics.

"We talked about things that I did last year, stuff that I might have been able to do to help the school," said Askew, "Stuff like tutoring, substitute teaching, things to help the kids other than athletics."

Good things have been said about Askew from his previous employer, Rossville Christian Academy in Rossville, Tenn., with the headmaster of the school, Harold Bowie, acknowledging that "If Kennett was interested in having a winning basketball program, Askew would probably prove very helpful."

So why did a coach with such an outstanding record and resume decide to take over a "struggling" program.

"Chris Sledge was the major factor behind my coming to Kennett," said Askew, "He told me that Kennett was in a rough situation and when I came and saw it, I thought he was right and that I could help in many different ways."

Askew said that he also felt Kennett would be a better opportunity for him, but would not say anything negative about his former school.

"There was no growth there," said Askew, "When I got there, there were 175 kids, and I brought a few kids into the district, now there are about 215. We won everything that there was to win and I sent six kids to college, now I'm just looking to move up. I can't say anything bad about them at all."

Askew said that his main concern was the kids, even offering to coach for free. When asked what the former Memphis State University and NBA standout asked for financially from the school, Askew replied, "zero."

"I didn't ask them for anything financially," said Askew, "He [Callewaert] told me that the coaches were paid a stipend, but I didn't even want that; I really don't need any money at all. I just wanted to help the kids."

"My goal is to go to a college and be a head coach at a university," said Askew, "I want to have a situation where I can build a program, ground up. But if Kennett ended up being a good enough situation, I could see myself retiring there. I just want somewhere that the elementary, junior high, and the high school levels are all doing the same thing. I think that the Kennett area is a gold mine."

Askew still hopes that the possibility is alive for him to become Kennett's new head basketball coach at the high school, but wants everyone to know that he offers much more.

"I want to help the kids in any way that I can," said Askew, "Sports helps a lot of kids get somewhere in life, it's a tool, academics are the real key. I want to help kids in both areas."