As the UConn men’s basketball team gears up to chase a third national title in four seasons, one of its former stars is embarking on a push for an NBA crown.
Stephon Castle has quickly become one of the league’s brightest young stars, and in just his second season in the NBA, he’s got a chance to join Ray Allen and Richard Hamilton as former Huskies who made a major impact on an NBA championship-winning team, too.
Last season’s Rookie of the Year is averaging 16.6 points, 6.8 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game, and shooting 46.7 percent from the field, and his Spurs own the league’s third-best record at 43-17. Oh, and they’ve beaten last season’s champs, the venerable Oklahoma City Thunder, four out of five times this season.
Even if the Spurs prove too young to snatch the Larry O’Brien trophy this season, it’s clear that UConn fans will be able to watch their former star play a starring role in the NBA playoffs for many springs to come.
Here’s a look at how Castle and the rest of his Husky brethren are faring in the NBA this season.
1. Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
If they re-did the 2024 NBA Draft right now, there’s no doubt that Castle would go No. 1. Looking back at that draft, it’s actually hard to believe he wasn’t considered a better prospect than French bigs Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr, or 6-foot-2 guard Reed Sheppard, who went 1-2-3 ahead of Castle. The Spurs are legitimate contenders, not just because of him but also thanks in large part to superstar Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox and a solid supporting cast. But Castle is the team’s third-leading scorer, tops in assists and steals, and if all goes to plan, could be the Robin to Wemby’s Batman on some title teams in the future. He’s certainly in a position to make a legendary mark on the league with one of its best-run franchises.
2. Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers
Stability seems like it’s coming into Cling Kong’s life. He recently got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, and he’s now an established starter in the NBA. Clingan is averaging a double-double: 11.8 points and 11.5 boards, and shooting 53 percent from the field and blocking 1.5 shots per game. The 22-year-old still has plenty of room to grow, and that 3-point shot hasn’t quite come around yet (34.1 percent on 3 attempts per game), but there’s no doubt that he’s got All-Star potential if he keeps improving. Like Castle, you could very well see Clingan in the playoffs– at least, the Play-In, as the Blazers have a 3.5-game lead on Memphis in the No. 10 spot right now.
3. Cam Spencer, Memphis Grizzlies
It’s been an up-and-down month for Cam, who went scoreless and scored just two points on two other occasions, shooting a combined 2-for-19 in those games, but then went for 25 points in 25 minutes in a win over the Mavs. Despite the occasional struggle, it’s been a terrific second season for Spencer, who’s become a bona-fide rotation player for the Grizzlies, averaging 23.9 minutes per game. He’s put up 11.4 points, 5.5 assists, and is shooting a blistering 44.5 percent from 3 and 47.5 percent overall. Spencer’s sharpshooting, smarts and toughness have been welcome in Memphis, which has several good young players, and Spencer figures to be part of the fold for years to come.
4. Andre Drummond, Philadelphia 76ers
It’s easy to forget the Middletown big man when rattling off a list of UConn players in the league, but Drummond just keeps on ticking along, now in his 14th season at age 32. He’s averaging 6.9 points and 8.8 rebounds while shooting 50.2 percent from the floor for the Sixers, who are chasing a top-six seed in the East and have been one of the league’s most exciting young teams.
5. Liam McNeeley, Charlotte Hornets
It’s been a rough rookie season for McNeeley, who has been battling injuries off and on the entire year and hasn’t played since Feb. 6 due to a left ankle sprain. He’s seen action in 28 games so far, averaging 12.2 minutes per, and has put up 4.1 points and 2.1 rebounds in that time. Charlotte has taken off of late behind a promising young core led by Rookie of the Year candidate Kon Kneuppel, and McNeeley has been somewhat of an afterthought this season. Even if McNeeley returns soon, it’s likely he won’t be able to do enough to crash the rotation for a playoff push, so he may be looking at next season to start to show what he can do.
6. Tyrese Martin, Philadelphia 76ers
Martin joined Drummond in Philly on Feb. 19 after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets so the team could make room for new acquisitions following the trade deadline. He had a promising run in Brooklyn last season, even earning some starts as a 3-and-D guy, but his numbers have been down this season, as he’s shooting just 33.3 percent from 3 and 39 percent overall. He’s averaging 7 points and 1.8 assists per game. Martin is on a two-way contract with the Sixers, something he’s been familiar with in his career, and he’ll hope to earn playing time ahead of the playoffs.
7. Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans Pelicans
Hawk’s numbers are way down this season as he’s averaging just 12.9 minutes per game and hasn’t seen any meaningful playing time since mid-January. He’s still on the Pelicans’ books next season, though as a former lottery pick, both sides may be looking for a way out this summer.
8. Andre Jackson Jr., Milwaukee Bucks
Jackson has been riding the pine all season, averaging just 6.3 minutes per game for the sorry Bucks, who are 26-33 and look like they’d rather run clear across a five-lane highway than make the playoffs. These will in all likelihood be the final months of Jackson’s time in Milwaukee, as the team has an option on his contract next season.
Other Huskies in the Pros
2024 Final Four Most Outstanding Player Tristen Newton continues to perform well in the G League. Now with the Houston Rockets’ affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, he’s averaging 24.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2 steals per game. … 2023 Final Four Most Outstanding Player Adama Sanogo is averaging a double-double– 19.3 points and 10.3 rebounds, playing for Hapoel Holon in Israel. … Samson Johnson is putting up 8.6 points and 4.2 rebounds with the Noblesville Boom, the Indiana Pacers’ G League affiliate.
