The UConn men's basketball program is making its presence felt in a big way at NBA All-Star Weekend this year, and the Rising Stars Challenge is turning into a Husky reunion.
All four of UConn’s 2024 NBA Draft picks - Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, Cam Spencer, and Tristen Newton - have been selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge, a showcase of the league’s top young talent. The event tips off on Feb. 13 at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles and serves as the opening act for the All-Star festivities.
Let’s start with Castle, who’s already built a strong case as one of the league’s brightest young stars. The reigning NBA Rookie of the Year with the San Antonio Spurs is making his second straight appearance in the Rising Stars event.
While it remains to be seen whether he’ll return to the dunk contest, Castle’s on-court performance this season has been anything but quiet. He’s averaging 16.6 points, 7.0 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game - a stat line that shows not only his scoring ability but also his growing command as a floor general in San Antonio.
Joining Castle is his former UConn frontcourt running mate, Donovan Clingan. The big man from Bristol has wasted no time adjusting to the NBA game.
Now a full-time starter for the Portland Trail Blazers, Clingan is averaging a double-double with 11.3 points and 11.2 rebounds, plus 1.3 blocks per game. He’s anchoring the paint with the same presence he showed during UConn’s 2024 national title run.
Castle and Clingan will suit up together once again, this time for Carmelo Anthony’s Rising Stars squad - a loaded roster that also includes No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, Reed Sheppard, Dylan Harper, Jeremiah Fears, and Collin Murray-Boyles. It’s a team stacked with future All-Star potential, and the Castle-Clingan connection could be a major factor in how far they go in the mini-tournament format.
Cam Spencer, another key starter from that championship UConn team, is also headed to the Rising Stars game. Now with the Memphis Grizzlies, Spencer is quietly putting together one of the most efficient shooting seasons in the league.
He’s flirting with the elusive 50/40/90 club, shooting 48% from the field, 45.8% from three, and 92.1% from the free-throw line. Add in his 11.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game, and it’s clear Spencer has carved out a valuable role as a sharpshooting playmaker.
He’ll play for Tracy McGrady’s Rising Stars team, alongside names like Kon Knueppel, Kel’el Ware, Tre Johnson, Alex Sarr, Ajay Mitchell, and Jaylon Tyson.
Rounding out the UConn quartet is Tristen Newton, who’s representing the G League squad in the Rising Stars Challenge. Newton, who’s been honing his game in the G League, will line up with a group that includes Yang Hansen, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, David Jones Garcia, Alijah Martin, Ron Harper Jr., and Sean East II. His inclusion is a testament to the depth and development of that 2024 UConn team - and a reminder that Newton’s pro journey is just getting started.
UConn head coach Dan Hurley, who’s guided the Huskies to a 20-1 start this season and a 16-game win streak, couldn’t hide his pride when asked about his former players.
“Just so proud. The joy of coaching,” Hurley said after Tuesday night’s win.
“You’re pursuing the wins and the championships, and just your perspective of the other part of coaching that brings you the most joy is to see your young men go into the world and become successful - successful in basketball, successful outside of basketball - husbands, fathers, family men. Obviously that was a special group.”
Hurley also gave a shoutout to two more former Huskies still trying to find their footing in the league: Jordan Hawkins and Andre Jackson Jr.
Hawkins, the No. 14 pick by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2023, has struggled to secure consistent minutes in his third NBA season. He’s averaging just 14.1 minutes across 35 games this year, a step back after showing promise early in his career.
Jackson, drafted 36th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023, is in a similar situation. After playing in 67 games and starting 43 last season, he’s only appeared in 20 games this year and has logged more than 15 minutes just once. Both players are still young, and there’s plenty of time for them to find the right fit, but it’s clear Hurley is rooting hard for them to get their shot.
As the Rising Stars Challenge approaches, it’s impossible to ignore the UConn stamp all over the event. Four players from one college team making it to this stage - and in just their first or second year in the pros - is a rare feat. It’s a testament not only to the talent on that 2024 national championship squad but also to the culture that’s been built in Storrs under Hurley’s leadership.
NBA All-Star Weekend is always about the future of the league, and this year, a big piece of that future runs through UConn.