Stephon Castle, the standout freshman who played a pivotal role in UConn’s national championship victory, is making the leap to the NBA Draft, according to a report by ESPN. Castle, a 6-foot-6 versatile wing, made significant contributions to the Huskies’ success, despite his young age of 19, earning a spot in the starting lineup and averaging 27 minutes per game.
Although Castle’s three-point shooting percentage was modest at 26.7%, he showcased a well-rounded game for UConn. He displayed playmaking abilities with 2.9 assists per game, exhibited finesse around the basket, and demonstrated defensive prowess, particularly notable in his performance against Purdue during the championship game.
Ranked as the ninth-best high school player in the Class of 2023, Castle lived up to his five-star billing from Newton High School in Covington, Georgia. Despite his brief tenure at UConn, his impact on their sixth national title will be remembered fondly.
In terms of his NBA Draft outlook, Castle’s 3-point shooting is an area for improvement. However, he is considered one of the more NBA-ready prospects from this year’s college crop, ranking at No. 10 in CBS Sports’ 2024 NBA Draft Prospect Rankings and landing at No. 8 in a recent mock draft.
Castle’s departure to the NBA, along with other key players, poses challenges for UConn Coach Dan Hurley in rebuilding the team for the upcoming season. Castle’s defensive intensity and contributions will be missed as the Huskies prepare for a new chapter in the 2024-25 season.
