I'm not an insider, but based on Twitter, etc, am I delusional think think that there's a heavy UConn lean w/ Castle? I see a perfect fit.
As a total outsider, it does feel that way. But, we all read the narratives the way we want to read them.
Family and all that it encompasses seem to really matter to the Castles. Kamani is extended family and NY is an extended family hub. Family is also core to the brand. The grandmother touch was powerful and perfect.
Deeply trusting the coach and his authenticity appears vital as well. DH seemed to nail that according to Twitter & IG posts from the family.
Relationships (an extension of "family") appear to matter to the father (who played AAU with Kamani). Relationship to the coach appears to matter to the mom (according to her tweets) and Stephon -- as it should with any kid.
IF (if if, if) we were to convince him that UConn is the right place to make home, what a perfect way to extend the UConn, DH, KY reach and brand to the Southeast. Get him to the Association and it becomes a monumental element to the UConn brand.
Except for the GA schools, all the other schools are a plane ride away, so no major disadvantage. If being close to home matters, Auburn and UConn are equals.
NIL opportunities should be equal, but I don't know. Our experiences with Paige should help dramatically?
We know what Grandma probably wants . Mom and Dad are at minimally very, very comfortable with the things that matter to them.
But the whims of a 17-year-old are so hard to fully understand, and there is so much we don't know on the inside. Still, I feel oddly good about this situation. (And for the record, my guts are more often wrong).