UConn's basketball sensation, freshman Stephon Castle, hailing from Covington, Georgia, has made a name for himself early in his college career by securing a coveted spot on the Jerry West Award Watch List, an honor presented annually by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. This award is reserved for the top shooting guard in Division I men's college basketball, making Castle's recognition a significant achievement.
Stephon Castle, who is embarking on his freshman season at UConn, has already gained widespread acclaim as a consensus top-10 recruit. Known for his incredible talent as a three-level scorer and possessing the ideal physical attributes for a combo guard, standing at an impressive 6 feet 6 inches, Castle is a player to watch in the world of college basketball.
Before joining the UConn Huskies, Castle's remarkable basketball journey was marked by impressive achievements. He had the distinction of being named a McDonald's All-American and clinching a gold medal as a part of the U18 Team USA. Castle's high school performance at Newton High School in Covington was nothing short of spectacular. In his senior year, he averaged over 20 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, showcasing his versatility and all-around skills.
Castle continued to make waves during UConn's foreign tour this summer, leading the team in scoring with an average of 16.7 points per game across three exciting contests. This summer exhibition further solidified his status as a rising star in the world of college basketball.
The Jerry West Award Watch List is just one of several prestigious watch lists being unveiled this week by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. These lists recognize standout players in different positions, with awards like the Bob Cousy Award for Point Guards, Julius Erving Award for Small Forwards, Karl Malone Award for Power Forwards, and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award for Centers. UConn is doubly represented on the preseason watch lists, as Castle's fellow Husky, Tristen Newton from El Paso, Texas, has also earned recognition on the Cousy Award list.
Stephon Castle's inclusion in the Jerry West Award Watch List is a testament to his immense talent and potential. As he begins his journey with the UConn Huskies, he is already making a mark in the world of college basketball, and fans are eager to see what this promising rookie will achieve in the upcoming season.
[Original source: UConn Huskies - https://uconnhuskies.com/news/2023/10/24/mens-basketball-castle-named-to-jerry-west-award-watch-list.aspx]
Image courtesy of: Austin Bigoney, UConn Athletics