Eight former UConn stars make NBA rosters

UConn’s representation in the NBA is growing at a rapid pace.

There are eight former Huskies on NBA rosters for the start of the 2025-26 season, half of them having been first-round picks in the last three drafts: Jordan Hawkins, Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan and Liam McNeeley.

UConn coach Dan Hurley, who made his annual keynote speech at the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce breakfast Monday morning, has been most impressed by his players who flew under the radar and earned roster spots, like Tyrese Martin and Andre Jackson Jr.

“You love seeing guys like Tyrese, some of the guys that went in and were second-round picks battle and get these roster spots that they’ve had to fight for,” Hurley said. “Even Andre Jackson with the Bucks, fighting and getting that roster spot, and Tyrese fighting and getting that roster spot. It’s cool to see what Steph (Castle’s) doing and hopefully Donovan (Clingan) has established himself as the starting center (in Portland). You’re interested in just seeing how these guys do.”

Samson Johnson (Indiana Pacers) and Tristen Newton (Minnesota Timberwolves) were both waived and could end up getting a shot in the G League. James Bouknight, who spent last season in the G League with the Portland Trail Blazers affiliate, was traded to the Mexico City Capitanes (no NBA affiliate).

A look at where all of the Huskies stand in the NBA:

Andre Drummond

Philadelphia 76ers center

Status: The last player in the league from the Jim Calhoun era, Drummond exercised his player option to spend his 14th NBA season as the veteran backup to Joel Embiid in Philadelphia. Drummond averaged 7.3 points and 7.8 rebounds in 40 games with the 76ers last year, starting in 23.

Tyrese Martin

Brooklyn Nets forward

Status: Martin earned a standard two-year NBA contract with his performance last season, playing in 60 games and starting 11, averaging 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 21.9 minutes per game. He earned his roster spot for the 2025-26 season after shooting 45.5% from beyond the arc in four preseason games and will likely find himself back in the Nets’ rotation.

Jordan Hawkins

New Orleans Pelicans guard

Status: Hawkins, Hurley’s first lottery pick, recently had his fourth-year option exercised by the New Orleans Pelicans after a preseason where he averaged 13.3 points over four games and shot just 26.1% from beyond the arc. Entering the third year of his rookie deal, Hawkins will likely be an important rotation piece as a shooter for the Pelicans, who added former Oklahoma star Jeremiah Fears with the No. 7 overall pick in the draft.

Andre Jackson Jr.

Milwaukee Bucks forward

Status: Jackson had to claw his way onto the Bucks’ opening day roster for the third year of his rookie deal. A player whose impact isn’t always reflected on the stat sheet, Jackson had 11 points, nine rebounds and five steals in 42 minutes over four preseason games. After playing in 67 games and starting 43 for Milwaukee last season, he will likely continue to serve his role as a defensive specialist.

Stephon Castle

San Antonio Spurs guard

Status: After his Rookie of the Year debut, Castle should find himself in the starting lineup for the Spurs when they open their season on Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks. Castle is part of a young core for the Spurs, who expect to compete for their first playoff appearance since 2019 with a backcourt that also includes De’Aaron Fox (dealing with a hamstring injury) and Dylan Harper, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 draft.

Donovan Clingan

Portland Trail Blazers center

Status: Clingan enters the second year of his rookie deal expected to start at center for the Trail Blazers, who bought out Deandre Ayton’s contract in the offseason and drafted Chinese 7-footer Yang Hansen with the No. 16 overall pick. Robert Williams III is also on the Blazers’ roster, though he enters the season injured. Clingan averaged 7.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.25 blocks and 1.0 assists in 19.5 minutes per game this preseason.

Cam Spencer

Memphis Grizzlies guard

Status: After being selected in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft and making an early impression, Spencer agreed to a four-year contract with the Grizzlies and will likely find a place in the rotation. He averaged 10.0 points, 3.4 assists and 1.8 rebounds in the preseason, shooting 47.6% from beyond the arc.

Liam McNeeley

Charlotte Hornets wing

Status: The 29th overall pick of the Charlotte Hornets, McNeeley had his best preseason game on Friday, scoring 11 points with four assists and two rebounds against the New York Knicks. Hurley’s fourth first-round pick in the last three drafts, McNeeley will likely find himself on the edge of the Hornets’ rotation to begin his rookie season.

Originally Published: October 20, 2025 at 3:13 PM EDT