UConn Brotherhood Shines Bright at NBA Rising Stars Challenge
The NBA Rising Stars Challenge is always a showcase for the league’s future - but Friday night in Los Angeles, it felt like a reunion tour for one of college basketball’s most dominant teams in recent memory. Former UConn stars Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle brought their old magic back to life under the bright lights of the Intuit Dome, reminding everyone just how special that 2024 Huskies squad really was.
Sitting courtside and soaking it all in? None other than Carmelo Anthony, who played the role of proud onlooker more than fiery coach. But even Melo couldn’t stay in his seat when Clingan started launching - and hitting - threes like a stretch five.
From the opening tip of Game One, it was clear Castle and Clingan weren’t just there to enjoy the moment - they came to compete. Castle wasted no time attacking fellow former Husky Tristen Newton, slicing into the lane and tossing up a perfectly timed alley-oop to Clingan for the game’s first bucket. It was a familiar sight for anyone who watched UConn dominate the college landscape not long ago.
The chemistry between the two was still there, and so was the flair. Castle found Clingan again in transition for a dunk, and then the 7-footer from Bristol stepped out and buried a three - something he rarely did in college, attempting just nine over two seasons. But this is the NBA, and Clingan’s expanding his game in real time.
He finished the night with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including three triples, to go along with three rebounds. Castle added six points and five assists, showing off the same poise and explosiveness that earned him NBA Rookie of the Year honors and MVP of last year’s Rising Stars event.
“Being able to share the court with Castle again - it’s fun,” Clingan said before the game. “That team was really special. The way we bonded, connected… we were a great group.”
Team Melo, led by Castle and Clingan, took Game One with a 40-34 win over Team Austin Rivers. Newton, now on a two-way deal with the Houston Rockets, chipped in two points and four assists. Afterward, he reflected on the moment - and what it said about UConn’s culture.
“Having four former Huskies in this event shows the level of work we put in day-in and day-out,” Newton said. “It translates to the next level.”
Cam Spencer, another member of that championship core, suited up for Team Tracy McGrady in the second semifinal. He made his presence felt early, knocking down a three and finishing with five points, three rebounds, and two assists. But his team fell short, thanks to a late surge by VJ Edgecombe, who scored the final 10 points for Team Vince Carter to seal the win and punch their ticket to the final.
That robbed fans of a potential all-Husky showdown in the championship, but Castle and Clingan still had one more act to deliver. Castle opened the final game with a drive and kick to Clingan, who once again stepped out and drilled a three. He hit two of his three attempts from deep in the final, sparking a reaction from Melo himself, who jumped out of his seat.
Castle, playing in a more reserved role this time around, finished with four points, three rebounds, and an assist. But the final belonged to Edgecombe, who capped off his MVP performance by drawing a foul on Clingan and hitting the free throw to reach the 25-point target score.
It wasn’t the storybook ending for the UConn crew, but the night still felt like a celebration. A celebration of where they came from, how far they’ve come, and how tightly they still hold onto the bonds forged in Storrs.
“This just speaks even more highly of our championship team,” Castle said.
Clingan echoed the sentiment: “I’m in contact with all of my UConn guys. We’re all talking, we’re all friends, we’re all brothers. We did special things together, and nothing can take that relationship away.”
Five days ago, Castle dropped a 40-point triple-double. Clingan followed that up with 23 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks in his last game before the All-Star break. Now, they’ve added another shared memory to the mix - this one on the NBA stage.
The Rising Stars Challenge is about the future. But Friday night, it was also a reminder of a recent past that still resonates - and a brotherhood that’s clearly built to last.