UConn freshman Stephon Castle has officially declared for the NBA draft, marking the fifth Husky starter to explore the possibility of moving on following Connecticut's recent NCAA championship victory. The announcement was confirmed by UConn and coach Dan Hurley on social media, with Hurley praising Castle's impact on the team's success during his freshman year.
Standing at 6-foot-6, Castle showcased his skills by averaging 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in his sole season with the Huskies. Known for his defensive prowess, Castle often took on the challenge of guarding the opposing team's top perimeter player, demonstrating his versatility on the court.
Castle's standout performances during the Final Four further solidified his NBA draft prospects, with notable displays in key games such as scoring 21 points in the semifinal victory against Alabama and contributing 15 points in the national championship game triumph over Purdue.
Joining the ranks of UConn players entering the draft after their freshman year, Castle follows in the footsteps of Andre Drummond, who was drafted ninth overall by the Pistons in 2012. The young guard's decision comes shortly after UConn forward Alex Karaban also declared for the draft while maintaining his college eligibility for further evaluation.
Castle, along with sophomore center Donvan Clingan, who declared for the draft the previous week, are anticipated to be top prospects in the upcoming draft, with both players projected as potential lottery picks. Additionally, UConn's other starters, including All-American guard Tristen Newton and graduate transfer Cam Spencer, are also exploring their draft prospects as they have exhausted their college eligibility.
As the NBA draft approaches, the Huskies' roster may see significant changes, with key players like Castle and Clingan poised to make the leap to the professional league. The team's success in the NCAA tournament has undoubtedly raised the profile of these talented individuals, setting the stage for an exciting transition to the next level of competition.
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