Stephon Castle, following an impressive freshman year at the University of Connecticut, has decided to declare for the 2024 NBA draft after winning a national title and earning Big East Freshman of the Year honors. Castle’s decision was confirmed in an announcement to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Friday, marking a significant step in the young athlete’s career.
Castle’s potential in the NBA hasn’t gone unnoticed, with projections placing him as the No. 5 pick to the Portland Trail Blazers in the upcoming draft, according to B/R’s Jonathan Wasserman. His standout performance in college, coupled with his 5-star recruit status and ranking as the No. 9 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class by 247Sports, solidify his position as a promising prospect.
During his freshman year at UConn, Castle showcased his skills on both ends of the court, averaging 11.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while demonstrating notable performances in crucial games, including the NCAA tournament. His versatility, highlighted by his passing, defense, and ability to finish plays, garnered praise from analysts like Wasserman.
Despite his impressive freshman campaign, Castle still has areas to improve upon, particularly his three-point shooting, where he connected on just 26.7 percent of attempts. However, his physical attributes, standing at 6’6″ with long arms, present considerable defensive potential, suggesting room for growth and development in the NBA.
Castle joins fellow UConn players Donovan Clingan and Alex Karaban in declaring for the draft, with Clingan also projected as a lottery pick. As the NBA draft order awaits finalization through the lottery, Castle’s decision adds excitement to the upcoming event, with teams like the Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards leading the pack in terms of draft positioning. With Castle’s declaration, the NBA awaits the arrival of another promising talent set to make his mark on the professional basketball stage.
