Spurs select Stephon Castle with No. 4 pick
The San Antonio Spurs selected UConn guard Stephon Castle with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday.
Castle got off to a slow start as he worked his way back to form following a one-month injury absence. However, the McDonald's All-American grew more comfortable as the season progressed, serving as a key component on a top-five offensive and defensive unit.
Castle was unanimously voted the Big East Freshman of the Year. The Georgia native shined throughout the Huskies' dominant March run, earning NCAA All-Tournament team honors. Castle's signature moment came in the national semifinals versus Alabama when he tallied a team-high 21 points and played stifling defense on Crimson Tide star Mark Sears.
Bio
Position: Guard
School: UConn
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 210 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-9
Max vertical: 37 inches
2023-24 statistics with UConn:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | RPG | APG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 47.2 | 26.7 | 4.7 | 2.9 | 11.1 |
Castle was the clear fifth option on UConn's offense, but he may have one of the highest ceilings in this year's draft class. The 19-year-old has the size and strength to post up smaller guards or power through opponents on drives. Castle was solid without the rock as well, frequently making timely cuts to the basket. Castle also thrived in a secondary ball-handling role, demonstrating great court vision whenever he initiated the team's offense. The five-star recruit's play on the opposite end of the floor was equally impressive as he routinely hounded the top perimeter threats. His lateral mobility and length allowed him to defend multiple positions. The biggest question surrounding Castle is his jumper as he struggled to shoot the ball from distance in high school and college.
NBA comparable: Andre Iguodala. The 2015 Finals MVP had a lengthy career as a versatile defender and secondary facilitator. His slashing ability is something Castle displayed during his lone year in Storrs. If Castle can turn the corner with his outside shooting and shot creation, he's got real star potential.