Castle Extensive Scouting Report (No Ceilings)

[ToolzieFan]

Castlevania: A Non-Linear Path to Stardom

UConn's Stephon Castle came to Storrs with high expectations. Has he leveled up his game as a freshman? What parts of his game could he further explore to reach a new height to his game?

open.substack.com

I know there are some other draft threads, but this guy took a really detailed look at Castle, with tons of video clips. I found it worth a read.

 

[Iluvsuebird]

If we win it again this year, this kid will have to be huge. And I believe he will, and I believe that we will. But as far as being a lottery pick, I don't see it, not yet. This kid's offensive game is not ready for the next level. I know he will leave because of money. I know that I would too if in his shoes. But he isn't ready yet. He seems like a worker; imagine how good he can be with one extra year with DH? But I know money talks

 

[ToolzieFan]

If we win it again this year, this kid will have to be huge. And I believe he will, and I believe that we will. But as far as being a lottery pick, I don't see it, not yet. This kid's offensive game is not ready for the next level. I know he will leave because of money. I know that I would too if in his shoes. But he isn't ready yet. He seems like a worker; imagine how good he can be with one extra year with DH? But I know money talks

My counterpoint would be that he should be able to improve more with access to an NBA coaching staff and facilities, with no academic obligations or limits on coaching time. Plus, it’s a weak draft at the top.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

If we win it again this year, this kid will have to be huge. And I believe he will, and I believe that we will. But as far as being a lottery pick, I don't see it, not yet. This kid's offensive game is not ready for the next level. I know he will leave because of money. I know that I would too if in his shoes. But he isn't ready yet. He seems like a worker; imagine how good he can be with one extra year with DH? But I know money talks

In a historically weak draft, he has one definite skill that separates him. He is a lockdown defender. Patrick Williams got drafted 4th because of that. Steph is farther along offensively than he was. Steph is one of the high floor, relatively high ceiling guys NBA loves.

 

[UConnJim]

If we win it again this year, this kid will have to be huge. And I believe he will, and I believe that we will. But as far as being a lottery pick, I don't see it, not yet. This kid's offensive game is not ready for the next level. I know he will leave because of money. I know that I would too if in his shoes. But he isn't ready yet. He seems like a worker; imagine how good he can be with one extra year with DH? But I know money talks

Castle is a lottery pick. He just turned 19 in November and he is already 6'6" and 215 lbs. He can defend, get to the rim, and he appears to be a good shooter, but needs more reps. The NBA drafts on potential and when you look at Castle, you can just see the upside.

 

[husky429]

If we win it again this year, this kid will have to be huge. And I believe he will, and I believe that we will. But as far as being a lottery pick, I don't see it, not yet. This kid's offensive game is not ready for the next level. I know he will leave because of money. I know that I would too if in his shoes. But he isn't ready yet. He seems like a worker; imagine how good he can be with one extra year with DH? But I know money talks

Here we go...

 

[Umami Zen]

Just enjoy the next 12 games we have with Steph. He's growing right in front of our eyes. Turning into a lock-down defender

 

[TheChamps990411]

If we win it again this year, this kid will have to be huge. And I believe he will, and I believe that we will. But as far as being a lottery pick, I don't see it, not yet. This kid's offensive game is not ready for the next level. I know he will leave because of money. I know that I would too if in his shoes. But he isn't ready yet. He seems like a worker; imagine how good he can be with one extra year with DH? But I know money talks

The NBA drafts potential not production. Embiid didnt look ready for the NBA when he was at KU and look at him now. Just one example among many that can be made.

 

[Leebo]

The Metroidvania talk was funny. Love me some Metroidvania.

 

[BlueMAB]

The NBA drafts potential not production.

It doesn't matter how many times this fact is mentioned, people choose to ignore it when arguing "x" player should stay because they "aren't ready". The Lakers drafted Ater Majok after he averaged 2.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.

 

[Marat]

 

[HooperScooper]

That play where he hung in the air, took the hard contact, and finished for an and one was very pretty.

 

[Umami Zen]

I think his knee is feeling better.

 

[BGesus4]

Combination of what he did in Richmond with the offensive highlights was just insane for a true freshman

 

[superjohn]

I've still yet to see a better prospect in America this season regarding this draft.

 

[HuskyBoi]

I think the Castle has finally discovered its king

 

[Mister P]

 

[Palatine]

Hurley was not a fan of this evaluation. He pretty much called the guy an idiot.

 

[superjohn]

View attachment 97193

Castle deserves player of the game but I feel like Clingan should get a piece of that too. He had 19 points, 11 boards, 5 blocks, 2 assists, 0 turnovers in 23 minutes and we were + a zillion points with him on the floor.

 

[3rdbass]

Castle is my favorite player this year. I love the way he plays defense that steal and dunk was a hella of one. This guy has solidified his place in the lottery for sure. Besides Clingan not being in foul trouble, not being hurt, a healthy and skilled Castle was the biggest difference from the game earlier in the season against Seton Hall. He takes pressure off Newton and Spencer with his ability to drive and score.

 

[HooperScooper]

Castle deserves player of the game but I feel like Clingan should get a piece of that too. He had 19 points, 11 boards, 5 blocks, 2 assists, 0 turnovers in 23 minutes and we were + a zillion points with him on the floor.

The game is so different when Clingan is on the floor compared to when he isn't. It's been said for a while, but he's a complete game changer both offensively and defensively.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

Castle deserves player of the game but I feel like Clingan should get a piece of that too. He had 19 points, 11 boards, 5 blocks, 2 assists, 0 turnovers in 23 minutes and we were + a zillion points with him on the floor.

What may be the best thing about this team is that from all appearances, nobody is concerned with individual accolades. They view them as wrapping paper, that may give the present a better appearance, but will eventually get ripped up and tossed to get to the actual prize.

 

[Mister P]

Castle deserves player of the game but I feel like Clingan should get a piece of that too. He had 19 points, 11 boards, 5 blocks, 2 assists, 0 turnovers in 23 minutes and we were + a zillion points with him on the floor.

100% agree. Could have gone either way.
They were both instrumental throughout the game on both ends of the court. The gamed turn in the first half when Clingan was inserted back in the game when we were down by 4. Then we went a run to end the half. Before he was rotated out, we had the lead but during his break SH was getting easy paint points and OB’s. He just changes the dynamics of the opponents offensives structure.

 

[aceboon]

Hurley was not a fan of this evaluation. He pretty much called the guy an idiot.

He was referring to Jeremy Woo of ESPN, there was an ESPN article this week of UConn's NBA prospects

 

[CardiacAndre7]

The fact that these analysts keep saying he doesn’t have impressive athleticism shows they really don’t watch the games