In an exciting development for UConn men's basketball, freshman sensation Stephon Castle from Covington, Georgia, has been named BIG EAST Freshman of the Week. This recognition, announced by the BIG EAST conference on Monday (Nov. 13), adds another layer of accomplishment to Castle's already impressive debut season.
Castle, a McDonald's All-American and a consensus top-10 recruit, kicked off his freshman campaign with a stellar performance in the first two games. Standing tall at 6 feet 6 inches, the rookie showcased his versatile skills, averaging 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. His efficiency on the court was evident, boasting a shooting percentage of 66.7 from the floor and an impressive 80.0 percent from the free-throw line. Castle also made contributions on the defensive end, amassing four steals and a block during UConn's victorious 2-0 start.
The regular-season opener against Northern Arizona saw Castle making an immediate impact, scoring 12 points and grabbing five rebounds in just 19 minutes of play. His follow-up performance against Stonehill was nothing short of spectacular, with Castle recording 17 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Notably, he maintained an impressive shooting record, going 5-of-7 from the floor and a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line against the Skyhawks.
This recognition as Freshman of the Week is becoming a familiar trend for the Huskies. Last season, sophomores Donovan Clingan and Alex Karaban collectively secured the weekly award eight times, showcasing the team's commitment to nurturing young talent.
Conclusion: As UConn men's basketball continues its impressive start to the season, the spotlight shines on Stephon Castle. With his outstanding contributions, Castle not only lives up to the hype surrounding his McDonald's All-American status but also solidifies his presence as a rising star in college basketball. The Huskies eagerly anticipate their next game on Tuesday night, where they will face Mississippi Valley State at the XL Center at 7 p.m.
[Reference: UConn Huskies Official News - https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2023/11/13/mens-basketball-stephon-castle-named-big-east-freshman-of-the-week.aspx]
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