NBA Bound Stephan

[bazzdog]

He needs to have an outside shot. I’m perplexed how he’s a one and done.

Me too

 

[Deleted at users request]

Nonsense. Nobody develops talent as well as our coaching staff. We have seen huge improvements from players going back to Vital, Polley, and Whaley. Even Tyrese Martin made the NBA. The only time Bouknight was any good was when he played for Hurley.

Did Hawkins becoming a lottery pick his second year reflect badly on our staff?

I get what your saying, but none of those guys outside of Hawkins are going to impress someone with NBA aspirations.

Previously, the standard for NBA development was the Rip, Ray’s, Carons, Rudy’s etc. There was a time period where we had some of the best players in the league period. That’s my personal standard for what I’m hoping we can get back to with the talent we are bringing in again.

 

[Hunt for 7]

Not related but staying in college ain’t a bad thing. There is the novel idea that you are getting a college degree and growing intellectually. But the again Arch Manning did not even start for his college team and had made over 3 times what the leading candidate for NFL MVP Brock Purdy is making this year. Think about that for a minute or two just let it simmer in your mind. Does this seem right……. I was all for playing the players but this situation has now officially entered an area where there will be no soft landing. NIL in its current format will lead to the end of big time college athletics. It’s hard enough to keep these kids from hurting themselves when they are 21 making $10 million a year. Just speaking personally if I was making $3M a year as a freshman in college the last place you would find me would be in class.

 

[metsfan2323]

I get what your saying, but none of those guys outside of Hawkins are going to impress someone with NBA aspirations.

Previously, the standard for NBA development was the Rip, Ray’s, Carons, Rudy’s etc. There was a time period where we had some of the best players in the league period. That’s my personal standard for what I’m hoping we can get back to with the talent we are bringing in again.

If elite NBA talent was the key to national championships Kentucky would win every year. Often college teams are better off with skilled and experienced veteran's vs NBA talented freshman. Not much NBA talent on San Diego State and FAU last year.

One and Done's are a double-edged sword, Castle will likely never match the impact that Newton has had for UConn.

 

[Deleted at users request]

If elite NBA talent was the key to national championships Kentucky would win every year. Often college teams are better off with skilled and experienced veteran's vs NBA talented freshman. Not much NBA talent on San Diego State and FAU last year.

One and Done's are a double-edged sword, Castle will likely never match the impact that Newton has had for UConn.

I think there’s a way to balance both. Doesn’t have to be oochie wallie or one mic.

 

[FearThePups]

Did you see what happened when he ran into the SH guard. He is an nba prospect because he is a true 6’6” and he is exceptionally strong with a good handle. That allows him to get anywhere on the court he wants to go. I think we are seeing trepidation due to lack of confidence associated with not only the injury but just getting back into the flow. I would say he looked like he was pressing but don't think that’s it. Personally if he just shows up and plays D against opposing 3’s or 4’s , and gives us 6 rebounds 5 assists and 9-10 points and average 30 minutes a game then by tourney time he may be ready to show more offense. But it was one game and he has a nice pull up floater from inside 10 feet that I think will become lethal because he can get into the lane at will.

I’m not saying he’s not talented, and he can do those things you mentioned however, he should avoid shooting beyond the foul line until he improves the outside shooting. Yes he has an NBA body, but the midget he ran into isn’t your typical NBA guard.

 

[TouchdownHusky]

Previously, the standard for NBA development was the Rip, Ray’s, Carons, Rudy’s etc. There was a time period where we had some of the best players in the league period. That’s my personal standard for what I’m hoping we can get back to with the talent we are bringing in again.

Exactly the point. Rip was three years at UConn, Ray (3 yrs), Caron (2 yrs) and Rudy (2 yrs). That's not to mention Emeka (3) and Kemba (3). All NOT one-and-done's.

The point is NOT anything negative about Castle. He's gonna be special. But it is about the "right time" to leave the program and that sure doesn't look like it should be this year.

 

[PAHusky]

Castle needs to be in the starting lineup from here on in. I said it in another thread. He's way to talented to continue to come off the bench. I don't think he's a come off the bench spark plug type player. He needs to be in the mix and get some nice reps and mistakes out early. He needs to get used to the pace and needs to get a feel for his teammates. Plus he's our best on defender not named Diarra.

Honestly besides the recruiting ranking what has he done to deserve a starting spot? Solo has defended almost as well and even with his shaky shot has been better on offense overall. Solo also doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. Why start Castle instead of letting him play with the second team and run the offense?

 

[husky429]

Exactly the point. Rip was three years at UConn, Ray (3 yrs), Caron (2 yrs) and Rudy (2 yrs). That's not to mention Emeka (3) and Kemba (3). All NOT one-and-done's.

The point is NOT anything negative about Castle. He's gonna be special. But it is about the "right time" to leave the program and that sure doesn't look like it should be this year.

Every one of the players you listed is retired from basketball. Most for a decade+.

 

[Kitaman]

 

[StllH8L8ner]

Who's Stephan? Is he Tristan's cousin?

Andre’s cousin. Dyson that is.

Sorry, been driving all day so just catching up. Hutch in New Rochelle suuuuuux.

 

[Old Dog]

Seriously, how do you know? I’ve said I want to see how he does against the non-cupcakes. If he is what we are seeing now, the NBA scouts and GMs must be silly. I agree that it’s early, but if he seriously will be drafted based on high school, having been someone who hired lawyers, I would have been nuts to ignore how a person had handled law school. He played really well vs Stonybrook in the game I went to, also the game he was injured. Maybe that is what is affecting him , but he has a way to go. I’m definitely pulling for him.

I hope he can fulfill his potential but right now he looks lost. We really don’t have anyone that is quick enough to get by people and need him to do just that

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

I hope he can fulfill his potential but right now he looks lost. We really don’t have anyone that is quick enough to get by people and need him to do just that

You forgot to say “hope I’m wrong.”

 

[boog204]

Castle needs to be in the starting lineup from here on in. I said it in another thread. He's way to talented to continue to come off the bench. I don't think he's a come off the bench spark plug type player. He needs to be in the mix and get some nice reps and mistakes out early. He needs to get used to the pace and needs to get a feel for his teammates. Plus he's our best on defender not named Diarra.

I actually agree with this. It also would enable us to have an offensive sparkplug (Solo) coming off the bench. I'm not going to get into the arguments regarding Castle's game. But he strikes me as a guy who needs consistent run to maximize his talent. Coming off the bench doesn't seem like the best fit for him/us.

 

[willie99]

Random observations

1) I have seen glimpses of Stephon's athleticism. He will be truly special when he gains some confidence and finishes. It will open up our offense for everyone. Experience is the world's greatest teacher.

2) It doesn't matter if he starts or not. 25 minutes is 25 minutes. I don't know why that's so important to some. Dan Hurley is our coach, infinitely more qualified than Boneyarders

3) If he came back next year, it would be great for our program, no harm done in any way imaginable. However, that's unlikely. They draft is based on potential. Just look at Whitmore last year. A huge bust from where I'm sitting, yet he still went very high. Also look at Bouknight, had a handful of great games, often injured, still was a lottery pick. I think Stephon has more potential than both of them

 

[jibsey]

Look he’s a very talented player with a solid NBA body who will someday be great I’m quite sure. But he’s a freshman who can look dominant against cupcakes and the BE is different. He was getting the ball swatted out of his hands and passes intercepted the other night. There’s a lot of development that will happen but this whole idea that he’s just stopping by for a quick look see while on his way on the NBA train is crazy. And that's what we’ve been hearing from the know it all board pundits here since day one.
The guys who became NBA superstars needed time here first, Ray, Rip, Caron, Kemba AND they could shoot the freaking ball.

 

[HooperScooper]

There’s a lot of development that will happen but this whole idea that he’s just stopping by for a quick look see while on his way on the NBA train is crazy. And that's what we’ve been hearing from the know it all board pundits here since day one.

I believe that general observation came directly from all the NBA mock drafts that had him going in the top 10 in the 2024 draft. I could be wrong but I don't remember anyone saying all those mock drafts were wrong. Do you remember anyone on here saying that?

 

[Deepster]

This. How many minutes has he played this season? Way too early to jump to any conclusions. I'm surprised at some of you. I will be sure to bump this thread when he starts playing very well. It'll be easy to find this thread. I can just search for "Stephan" since I don't think anyone on here has ever called him that.

I agree with you. But if you took Balls first chunk of time vs a similar span with Castle, I think Ball has shown more spark and life.

I don’t think Castle is overhyped but he’s just not showing fire or guts.

 

[nelsonmuntz]

Every one of the players you listed is retired from basketball. Most for a decade+.

And the one-and-done era has led to mostly terrible drafts in the last decade, to the point that teams throw in first round picks into trades the way they used to throw deep bench players. Look around the league. How many over-the-hill geezers like Durant are still considered superstars because the last 10 years of drafts have mostly sucked.

Even the players that do produce come from all over the first round. The top 4 players of the 2020 draft are Edwards (1), Ball (3), Halliburton (12) and Maxey (21). Getting a high draft pick is pointless.

Point me to the last team that won an NBA title or even made the finals leaning on a One-and-Done in the first 3 years of his career? If the Timberwolves make the NBA finals this year, it will be the first time in years where a team makes the finals with a One-and-Done that is still early in his career as one of the top 2-3 players.

Top college teams are going to keep getting older because of NIL. I expect the NBA draft to start to reflect that going forward. The superstars will still be able to do it, but NBA teams are going to be increasingly reluctant to take flyers on players whose realistic upside is "role player".

 

[navery12]

And the one-and-done era has led to mostly terrible drafts in the last decade, to the point that teams throw in first round picks into trades the way they used to throw deep bench players. Look around the league. How many over-the-hill geezers like Durant are still considered superstars because the last 10 years of drafts have mostly sucked.

Even the players that do produce come from all over the first round. The top 4 players of the 2020 draft are Edwards (1), Ball (3), Halliburton (12) and Maxey (21). Getting a high draft pick is pointless.

Point me to the last team that won an NBA title or even made the finals leaning on a One-and-Done in the first 3 years of his career? If the Timberwolves make the NBA finals this year, it will be the first time in years where a team makes the finals with a One-and-Done that is still early in his career as one of the top 2-3 players.

Top college teams are going to keep getting older because of NIL. I expect the NBA draft to start to reflect that going forward. The superstars will still be able to do it, but NBA teams are going to be increasingly reluctant to take flyers on players whose realistic upside is "role player".

What an ridiculous parameter to set. So the one and done guys like Bam Adebayo on the Heat and Michael Porter Jr on the Nuggets in the NBA Finals last year don't count because they were in the league too long? In any event, the answer to your question is the Suns with DeAndre Ayton a whole 3 years ago

 

[superjohn]

Exactly the point. Rip was three years at UConn, Ray (3 yrs), Caron (2 yrs) and Rudy (2 yrs). That's not to mention Emeka (3) and Kemba (3). All NOT one-and-done's.

The point is NOT anything negative about Castle. He's gonna be special. But it is about the "right time" to leave the program and that sure doesn't look like it should be this year.

The right time to leave the program 20 years ago is quite different now. If you're going to be a top 5-10 pick or even a lottery pick it's always been the right time to leave for the player and in many ways the right time to leave for the program. All those guys you listed were all-Americans when they left. Nowadays you don't have to have any accolades to leave, if you show what the NBA is looking for they will make you one of the top picks now without any personal or team achievements. Hopefully Castle will get team and personal achievements but it probably won't factor at all in terms of his draft stock.

 

[Candyman]

Random observations

1) I have seen glimpses of Stephon's athleticism. He will be truly special when he gains some confidence and finishes. It will open up our offense for everyone. Experience is the world's greatest teacher.

2) It doesn't matter if he starts or not. 25 minutes is 25 minutes. I don't know why that's so important to some. Dan Hurley is our coach, infinitely more qualified than Boneyarders

3) If he came back next year, it would be great for our program, no harm done in any way imaginable. However, that's unlikely. They draft is based on potential. Just look at Whitmore last year. A huge bust from where I'm sitting, yet he still went very high. Also look at Bouknight, had a handful of great games, often injured, still was a lottery pick. I think Stephon has more potential than both of them

I disagree. There is a difference starting and coming off the bench. Some players are better suited to be that guy off the bench and provide a spark and some don’t. Castle is too talented to wait for 6 minutes each half before he comes in. Idc who the coach is they all know players better suited off bench. Example, Diarra, if he started and played 25 minute compared to coming off bench for 25 minutes is a difference.

I feel Hurley is the if it ain’t broke type and believe we will see Castle start very soon.

 

[Icehawk]

What was with the two inbound passes he tried bouncing off of Hall players? That's a move you do to a totally distracted guy once in a blue moon not twice in one game against players actively trying to steal the inbound pass. He had some headscratchers in this game for sure.

 

[superjohn]

What an ridiculous parameter to set. So the one and done guys like Bam Adebayo on the Heat and Michael Porter Jr on the Nuggets in the NBA Finals last year don't count because they were in the league too long? In any event, the answer to your question is the Suns with DeAndre Ayton a whole 3 years ago

They suck as do all the other one and done players in the league. Embiid, Tatum, Booker, Edwards etc. all stink and none of the teams who drafted them are happy with the players they got.

 

[TouchdownHusky]

Look he’s a very talented player with a solid NBA body who will someday be great I’m quite sure. But he’s a freshman who can look dominant against cupcakes and the BE is different. He was getting the ball swatted out of his hands and passes intercepted the other night. There’s a lot of development that will happen but this whole idea that he’s just stopping by for a quick look see while on his way on the NBA train is crazy. And that's what we’ve been hearing from the know it all board pundits here since day one.
The guys who became NBA superstars needed time here first, Ray, Rip, Caron, Kemba AND they could shoot the freaking ball.

Exactly. Well said.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

I’m perplexed how he’s a one and done.

That was a simply-stated, candid admission.

Me too

There are no guarantees, but I think this is a good answer...

Did you see what happened when he ran into the SH guard. He is an nba prospect because he is a true 6’6” and he is exceptionally strong with a good handle. That allows him to get anywhere on the court he wants to go. I think we are seeing trepidation due to lack of confidence associated with not only the injury but just getting back into the flow. I would say he looked like he was pressing but don't think that’s it. Personally if he just shows up and plays D against opposing 3’s or 4’s , and gives us 6 rebounds 5 assists and 9-10 points and average 30 minutes a game then by tourney time he may be ready to show more offense. But it was one game...

That was an on-point and sincere response that intended to be helpful. In the interest of keeping things simple, I left off the speculative closing.

Please consider that nobody tasked with developing the team's season would consider this a priority topic raised at an optimal time. Be thankful for that. Even if the thread is starting to get, er, lively, it's probably best regarded as an unforced error.

I'm hopeful that the coaches and players are preparing well for Saturday's game, and I invite the fans to bring their best to the necessary team-building that lies ahead.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

How many over-the-hill geezers like Durant are still considered superstars because the last 10 years of drafts have mostly sucked.

First, I'm going to assume that this is a question, even if it was not punctuated as such.

In response, I'll answer "Zero," simply because there's too much self-scaffolding and too little support for your complex assertions on both sides of the quite unambiguous causal "because."

Point me to the last team that won an NBA title or even made the finals leaning on a One-and-Done in the first 3 years of his career?

This reads like a statement, even a challenge, so I'll ignore the question mark. Maybe you can trade it to the previous paragraph that I quoted.

I'd prefer that the lead not have been buried, but I found this rather credible...

What an ridiculous parameter to set...In any event, the answer to your question is the Suns with DeAndre Ayton a whole 3 years ago

Mentions of Porter and Adebayo registered with me as legit because I don't pay any attention to NBA until there are either 8 or 4 teams remaining, and even with me showcasing my NBA ignorance, it's tough not to crack a smile at this, when I generally want to be curmudgeonly about sarcasm.

They suck as do all the other one and done players in the league. Embiid, Tatum, Booker, Edwards etc. all stink and none of the teams who drafted them are happy with the players they got.

 

[willie99]

That was a simply-stated, candid admission.

There are no guarantees, but I think this is a good answer...

That was an on-point and sincere response that intended to be helpful. In the interest of keeping things simple, I left off the speculative closing.

Please consider that nobody tasked with developing the team's season would consider this a priority topic raised at an optimal time. Be thankful for that. Even if the thread is starting to get, er, lively, it's probably best regarded as an unforced error.

I'm hopeful that the coaches and players are preparing well for Saturday's game, and I invite the fans to bring their best to the necessary team-building that lies ahead.

I'll be there doing my job

And I'm smart enough to know that coaching a highly regarded defending national championship team with a bunch of players that will be playing professionally somewhere is NOT MY JOB

 

[imno1]

Castle has played a total of 6 college games, 110 minutes, yet some here think he’s a finished product for the season. Stephon is just rounding into game shape and will be a big contributor before the end of the season. At least that is my prediction.

 

[jibsey]

Castle has played a total of 6 college games, 110 minutes, yet some here think he’s a finished product for the season. Stephon is just rounding into game shape and will be a big contributor before the end of the season. At least that is my prediction.

Who said he’s finished?