French big man Victor Wembanyama is slowly evolving into the San Antonio Spurs’ franchise player before our very eyes. A good proof of that was when he sent an encouraging message to the team’s latest rookie, UConn’s Stephon Castle, after he was selected during the 2024 NBA Draft.
Castle, a 6’6″ guard/wing from the University of Connecticut, is one of the top prospects in the draft. After a standout high school career at Newton High School in Georgia, where he was named a McDonald’s All-American, Castle continued his success at the collegiate level.
![Victor Wembanyama Sends Epic Message To New San Antonio Spurs Rookie After 2024 NBA Draft 1 San Antonio Spurs, Stephon Castle, UConn Huskies](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22978182-scaled.jpg)
At UConn, Castle was named the Big East Freshman of the Year, averaging 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game during his one and only collegiate season. He was a key contributor to the Huskies’ 2024 NCAA Championship run, scoring a combined 36 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals in the final two games of the tournament.
Castle’s physical tools and all-around game are his biggest strengths. He can use his size and strength to create offense, finish at the rim, and make plays for his teammates. On the defensive end, he is a tough and versatile perimeter stopper. However, his jump shot remains a work in progress, as he shot just 27% from three-point range in his freshman season.
San Antonio Spurs Rookie Stephon Castle Receives Epic Message From Victor Wembanyama After 2024 NBA Draft
![Victor Wembanyama Sends Epic Message To New San Antonio Spurs Rookie After 2024 NBA Draft 2 San Antonio Spurs, Victor Wembanyama](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_22760996_168400517_lowres.jpg)
Just recently, San Antonio used their fourth pick to select Castle during the first night of the draft. After the event, Wembanyama sent out a message greeting his teammate, as seen in a video shared by the Spurs’ official account on X.
We’re ready for you, @StephonCastle 🙌 pic.twitter.com/F4OsHzl4fu
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) June 27, 2024
Apart from the Spurs’ superstar center, head coach Greg Popovich also spoke to the rookie to welcome him to the team. He is expected to play either guard positions for San Antonio and develop into an able partner for Wembanyama, especially when it comes to playmaking.
![Victor Wembanyama Sends Epic Message To New San Antonio Spurs Rookie After 2024 NBA Draft 3 San Antonio Spurs, Stephon Castle, UConn Huskies](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22978349-scaled.jpg)
It remains to be seen how Castle will fit into San Antonio’s system and whether he’ll help elevate Wemby to the next level or not. In any case, a lot of eyes will be on the rookie to see if he was worth the pick for the Spurs as the team aims to make the most out of the French big man’s time with the team.
![Victor Wembanyama Sends Epic Message To New San Antonio Spurs Rookie After 2024 NBA Draft 4 San Antonio Spurs, Stephon Castle, UConn Huskies](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/USATSI_22960702-scaled.jpg)
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