4 UConn Huskies players going into the 2024 NBA Draft
Dan Hurley's coaching has made the UConn Huskies one of the most successful programs. The Storrs became the first team since the Florida Gators in 2007 to clinch back-to-back national titles.
A third title will make them the best college team in modern-day basketball. Nevertheless, their surge saw five of their players garnering invites for the combine as the lakers-head-coach-job-nba-insider-reports" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">LA Lakers pursued their coach.
One of its crew members, Alex Karaban, returned to the college circuit while Hurley timely declined the Lakers' proposal. On that note, let's look at the four players from UConn who could soon hear their names in the 2024 draft.
UConn Huskies players going into the 2024 NBA Draft
#1 Donovan Clingan
Donovan Clingan saw his stock surge during his postseason with the Huskies and is considered to be a top-3 prospect in several mock drafts.
He averaged 15.3 points and 8.3 rebounds in his last six NCAA games, including 22 points in Elite Eight and 18 in the Final Four. He has a great touch around the basket and has a plethora of ways to deploy his shots.
Clingan’s game can be labeled as defense-first because of his ability to swat shots and be less demanding of the ball on offense. However, keeping up with the quicker and craftier players in the big league could be one of his concerns.
#2 Cam Spencer
Spencer was part of UConn for just one year, but he was a key piece to their championship.
One of the older prospects of the 2024 talent pool, he has a certain poise behind his decision-making. The six-foot-four perimeter player can score at all three levels but might be eyed most for harboring a 43% 3-point shot over five seasons.
While his build could often leave him mismatched on defense, he can disrupt actions with his effort, deflection and active hands.
#3 Stephon Castle
The Big East Freshman of the Year, Stephon Castle, scored 36 points and 10 rebounds in the Final Four and championship game for UConn in the 2024 NCAA finals.
He understands the importance of changing pace and capitalizing on the scoring opportunities that come with it. He doesn't shy away from taking it to the basket and can dime it whenever necessary.
However, Castle’s NBA career could hang loose on his outside shot. He made only 27% of his 3s with UConn, which could not only force defenses to ease up on him but also act as a counter to his ability to create his own shot.
#4 Tristen Newton
Tristen Newton has the confidence to take crunch time shots but can also serve as a skilled role player if the team demands. At six-foot-five, he has a great build for a player who is shifty with his dribbles, crafty to get to his spots and can sink tough shots.
He could be a great depth addition to a roster’s second unit for playmaking or scoring. Newton has great shot mechanics but needs to develop a reliable 3-pointer to make a name in the big league. Moreover, he also needs to improve his defensive tactics.