Jan 31, 2024; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Stephon Castle (5) reacts after his three point basket against the Providence Friars in the second half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images David Butler II-Imagn Images

UConn Receives Surprise Visit From NBA Rookie of the Year

Originally posted on UConn Huskies on SI
By Seth Orlemann | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 9:46 AM ET

Stephon Castle played one year for the UConn Huskies Men's Basketball program during the 2023-24 season. During that time, he started in 30 of the 34 games. He averaged 11.1 points per game (PPG), 4.7 rebounds per game (RPG), and 2.9 assists per game (APG). He played on a team that featured Donovan Klingan, Alex Karaban, and Tristen Newton. Castle was named Big East Freshman of the Year while the Huskies won their second championship in as many years to round out his time with the team.

Castle went on to become the 4th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, selected by the San Antonio Spurs. In his first season with the team that also had 2024 Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, he averaged 14.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.1 APG in 81 games and was crowned as the 2025 Rookie of the Year.

With a recent history like his, that includes NCAA and NBA hardware, it would be easy for Castle to lose his roots and take his time in the lime light, but the former Husky has done just the opposite.

On Tuesday, Castle returned to Storrs and suited up for a practice with his former program alongside fellow NBA player and former Husky, Jordan Hawkins, who played for the team from 2021-23 and also won a championship.

Champs are here‼️️ pic.twitter.com/ThyQoa5Cwe
— UConn Men's Basketball (@UConnMBB) June 17, 2025

As one X user, @BlockCHuskyFan alluded to, the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year returning to UConn to play against current Huskies is a phenomenal recruiting tool. With a historical program, that is cementing its name in the history books year after year and has multiple alumni playing at the next level, Castle and Hawkins returning should help further bolster the teams' ability to bring in top talent.

This might be the best recruiting tool ever.

“Come to UConn where you get to practice against the reigning NBA Rookie of the year (who also went to UConn and won a national championship, which improved his draft stock).” pic.twitter.com/MffdEpf9e0
— Block C Husky Fan (@BlockCHuskyFan) June 18, 2025