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The 2024 NBA draft is roughly one month away and here at College Sports Wire we are evaluating the college basketball stars who are hoping to hear their name called in June. Today we discuss national champion Stephon Castle, who starred as a freshman for the UConn Huskies this past season.
Castle had the look of a one-and-done star right away, dropping 29 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals – on 8-13 shooting – in his first two college basketball games against Northern Arizona and Stonehill, respectively.
An injury limited him for the next month or so, but once he was back and healthy he found his way into a versatile, do-it-all type role for the Huskies – helping replicate the loss of Andre Jackson Jr who was drafted the previous season.
Castle had plenty of big games offensively, even on a team with so much talent, scoring 20 or more points four different times including a career-high 21 on 7-13 shooting against Alabama in the Final 4.
Now he projects as a top ten pick in the 2024 NBA draft, although his desire to play point guard at the next level could limit the number of teams interested in his services.
Below is a look at Castle’s profile, including his measurements at the combine, strengths and weaknesses as a player, and current projected draft range and team fits in the NBA:
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
From: Covington, GA
Played: UConn (2023-24)
2023-24 Stats: 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 54.4% on twos, 26.7% from three
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Height: 6’6.75
Weight: 210 pounds
Wingspan: 6’9
Standing Reach: 8’6
Max Vertical Leap: 37 inches
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
- Big guard who can create his own shot off the dribble, using his size and strength to finish through contact
- Variety of moves allows him to be a versatile scorer, capable of taking over games if necessary
- Unselfish play style, as evident by taking a more complimentary role for UConn’s national title team
- Can play 1-3 in a variety of roles, making him a versatile player capable of contributing in multiple ways
- Tenacious defender who can guard 1-3 and has the potential to be elite on that end of the floor thanks to his length, quickness, agility, and a desire to be great
- Elite body control, balance, and ability to change pace
Patrick Breen-Arizona Republic
- Outside shot is a work in progress, could be good in time but can’t be relied upon currently
- Has made it clear he wants to be a lead guard/initiator type in the NBA. Reportedly only working out for teams that don’t have a lead guard. Has the versatility to play multiple roles in the NBA, but does he have willingness to do so?
- Despite great defensive instincts and length, didn’t generate many steals (0.8 per game) or blocks (0.5)
- Will need to work on avoiding fouls at the next level, often had to sit early at UConn with foul trouble
- Showed promise as a facilitator, but wasn’t a role he filled much. Can he excel in that area at the next level?
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Draft Range: Lottery
CSW Mock: No. 10 to Utah Jazz
Team Fits: A team without a clear point guard, and who needs defense. Utah, San Antonio, Charlotte all make sense to a degree.
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Courtesy : https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/lists/2024-nba-draft-profile-uconn-stephon-castle/