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UConn Could Have Pair of Lottery Picks in 2024 NBA Draft

After winning the national championship in 2023, UConn could have another strong season, this time seeing two players drafted in the lottery of the 2024 NBA Draft.

In 2023, the UConn Huskies were able to cut down the national championship nets.

They suffered through a grueling 2023 March Madness bracket, which included wins over Saint Mary’s, Arkansas, Gonzaga, Miami and eventually San Diego State. But players like Adama Sanogo, Jordan Hawkins, Andre Jackson Jr. and more were there to carry the load.

Now, those players have all moved on to the greener pastures of the NBA, and the Huskies will look to replace their production in order to have another successful season.

Luckily for them, they’ve reloaded with a strong draft class and potentially the best returner in basketball.

For starters, the landed potential one-and-done Stephon Castle, who has decent claim to being the best guard in both his 2023 high school class and the 2024 NBA Draft class.

At 6-foot-6, Castle is a jumbo point guard who thrives on pace and control, rather than speed or athleticism. He’s got a great ambidextrous handle, touch from all over the court and is going to be one of the better passers in the whole class.

Castle might very well be the first guard to hear his name called on draft night 2024.

On the flip side is returnee Donovan Clingan, who at 7-foot-2 is set to anchor the Huskies as a strong interior scoring and defensive presence. He’s a fluid mover who should see his fair share of dunks and blocks next season. He’ll have quite a bit of competition for being the best center in the draft class, but could get there with a strong showing.

The tandem is sure to help UConn win plenty of games, as Castle’s premier playmaking ability is sure to mix well with Clingan’s play-finishing and overall impact.

Last year, Hawkins was the only Husky to hear his name called in the lottery. At the 2024 NBA Draft, both Castle and Clingan could be hearing theirs early, depending on how things shake out.


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