04/19/24 10:36:00
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04/19 10:34 CDT UConn freshman Stephon Castle declares for NBA draft and
becomes school's second one-and-done player
UConn freshman Stephon Castle declares for NBA draft and becomes school's
second one-and-done player
By PAT EATON-ROBB
AP Sports Writer
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.
___
AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll
and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
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