UConn freshman Stephon Castle has entered his name into the NBA draft, becoming the fifth Husky starter to at least explore moving on after Connecticut’s latest NCAA title run. UConn and coach Dan Hurley confirmed the move Friday on social media after it was first reported by ESPN.
Quick Read
- UConn freshman Stephon Castle has declared for the NBA draft, making him the fifth starter from the NCAA championship team to consider leaving.
- UConn’s coach, Dan Hurley, praised Castle on social media for his impact on the team’s success, noting his talent, work ethic, humility, and the influence of his great parents.
- During his freshman year, Castle averaged 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, and played a key role defensively against top opponents.
- He shined in the Final Four, scoring 21 points against Alabama and 15 points in the national championship win over Purdue.
- Castle is the second UConn player to enter the draft after just one season, following Andre Drummond in 2012.
- His decision followed announcements by teammate Alex Karaban and center Donvan Clingan, both of whom are also expected to be early picks. Other teammates, Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer, are exploring draft prospects following the end of their college eligibility.
The Associated Press has the story:
UConn freshman Stephon Castle declares for NBA draft. 2nd one-&-done school player
Newslooks- STORRS, Conn. (AP) —
UConn freshman Stephon Castle has entered his name into the NBA draft, becoming the fifth Husky starter to at least explore moving on after Connecticut’s latest NCAA title run.
UConn and coach Dan Hurley confirmed the move Friday on social media after it was first reported by ESPN.
“No Freshman impacted WINNING like this Champion…His combination of talent, work ethic and humility…And GREAT parents!!” Hurley posted.
The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists in his only season as a Husky, while often drawing the defensive assignment to shut down the opposition’s top perimeter player.
He was even more impressive during the Final Four, scoring 21 points in UConn’s semifinal win over Alabama and putting up 15 points in the win over Purdue in the national championship game.
Castle becomes just the second UConn player to enter the draft after his freshman year, joining Andre Drummond, who was selected ninth overall by the Pistons in 2012.
His announcement comes one day after UConn forward Alex Karaban declared for the draft, but said he would retain his college eligibility, allowing him to make a final decision after going through the pre-draft workouts.
Castle and 7-2 sophomore center Donvan Clingan, who declared for the draft last week, are projected to be lottery picks.
UConn’s other two starters, All-American guard Tristen Newton, the most outstanding player in the Final Four, and graduate transfer Cam Spencer, a sharp-shooting guard who averaged 14.3 points, have no more college eligibility and are also draft prospects.
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