UConn in the NBA: How Former Huskies Are Making Their Mark This Season
The NBA’s Christmas Day slate is always a moment when the spotlight shifts - even if just briefly - from football to the hardwood. It’s a time when casual fans tune in, rosters are under the microscope, and rising stars can cement themselves in the national conversation.
For UConn fans, it’s also a perfect checkpoint to see how some familiar faces are faring in the league. From rookies making early statements to veterans carving out steady roles, the Husky presence in the NBA is as strong - and as varied - as ever.
Let’s break down how UConn’s finest are performing this season, heading into the holidays.
1. Stephon Castle - San Antonio Spurs
If there’s a Husky leading the charge in the NBA right now, it’s Stephon Castle. The 21-year-old guard is playing like a seasoned pro, not a rookie. He’s averaging 20.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 5 rebounds in December while shooting over 51% from the field - and he’s doing it with confidence and control that belies his age.
Castle turned heads with a 30-point, 10-rebound performance in a win over the Lakers on Dec. 10, then followed it up with 22 points and 6 assists in the Spurs’ NBA Cup semifinal victory over the Thunder - one of the few blemishes on OKC’s record this season.
There’s All-Star buzz building around Castle, and it’s not just media chatter. The Spurs reportedly view him as untouchable, even amid swirling rumors about a potential trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. That says everything about how highly San Antonio values his future.
Off the court, Castle’s keeping his Connecticut roots strong - he recently invested in CT United FC, the new MLS Next Pro club launching in Bridgeport next year. On the court and off, he’s making all the right moves.
2. Donovan Clingan - Portland Trail Blazers
Donovan Clingan, affectionately dubbed “Cling Kong,” is on a tear in Portland. Over his last three games heading into Christmas week, the big man put up lines of 19 points and 8 boards, 14 and 14, and 17 and 10. That’s the kind of consistency you want from a young center, and Clingan’s delivering.
He’s started all 25 games he’s played in and is averaging a double-double (10.5 points, 10.2 rebounds) in just 26 minutes per game. That’s production with efficiency. He’s also started to stretch the floor, knocking down five of his last seven three-point attempts - a wrinkle that could take his game to another level.
Shooting 51.3% from the field on the season, Clingan is quickly becoming one of the more reliable young bigs in the league.
3. Cam Spencer - Memphis Grizzlies
Cam Spencer has quietly climbed the ranks and now finds himself as a key rotation piece in Memphis. He’s averaging 12.4 points and 4.4 assists per game while shooting just under 50% from the field - strong numbers for a player who had to fight for his spot.
December has been especially kind to Spencer. He’s averaging 30 minutes per game this month and had a breakout performance on Dec. 15, dropping a career-high 27 points on 7-of-10 shooting from deep in a win over the Clippers.
The Spencer family has more than one reason to celebrate this season - Cam’s brother Pat is also making waves, earning real minutes with the Warriors and averaging 10.5 points and 4 assists in December.
4. Andre Drummond - Philadelphia 76ers
Andre Drummond continues to be one of the most dependable backup bigs in the NBA. The veteran center has played in 26 games for the Sixers, starting 13, and is averaging 7.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
He’s the ultimate insurance policy behind Joel Embiid - and one Philly’s been cashing in on regularly. Drummond’s rebounding instincts and physical presence still make him a valuable contributor, even as his role has evolved.
5. Tyrese Martin - Brooklyn Nets
It’s been a rough season in Brooklyn, with the Nets sitting at 8-19, but Tyrese Martin has carved out a consistent role. He’s logging 20 minutes per game and putting up 7.9 points and 3.2 rebounds - solid numbers for a 3-and-D wing.
That said, the “3” part of that equation needs some work. Martin’s shooting just 31.6% from beyond the arc, and that’s an area he’ll need to improve to solidify his long-term place in the league. Still, he’s shown enough to earn regular minutes and could be in line for a new deal when he hits restricted free agency next season.
6. Liam McNeeley - Charlotte Hornets
After a slow start to his rookie campaign due to injuries and illness, Liam McNeeley is starting to find his rhythm in Charlotte. He’s averaging 16 minutes per game in December, posting 8.0 points and 3.2 rebounds while shooting over 50% from both the field and three-point range.
His best game came on Dec. 13, when he scored 13 points in a loss to the Nuggets. With more reps, McNeeley could become a valuable piece for a Hornets team that’s still figuring out its identity.
7. Jordan Hawkins - New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans have flipped the script this month, winning five straight after a brutal 3-22 start. But Jordan Hawkins hasn’t been a big part of that turnaround. He’s played just eight minutes total during the win streak and is shooting 33.3% from three on the season.
That’s not going to cut it, especially with New Orleans loaded with bigger, more athletic wings who bring more on the defensive end. Hawkins is owed $7 million next season, but with a team option in play, a change of scenery might be the best move for both sides.
8. Andre Jackson - Milwaukee Bucks
It’s been a tough go for Andre Jackson in Milwaukee. He’s appeared in just 13 games and is averaging only seven minutes per outing. With the Bucks holding a team option on his contract for next season, it’s hard to see them picking it up unless something changes dramatically in the second half of the year.
Other Huskies in the Pros:
- Tristen Newton is lighting it up in the G League with the Iowa Wolves, averaging 26.8 points, 7.6 assists, and 2.1 steals per game.
- Samson Johnson is putting up 7.0 points and 4.5 rebounds with the Noblesville Boom, the Pacers’ affiliate.
- Niels Giffey is contributing 7.6 points and 2.8 rebounds for FC Bayern Munich in Germany.
- Hassan Diarra recently made the move from Israel to Lithuania, where he’s averaging 5 points in 21 minutes per game for Juventus Utena.
Final Word:
From breakout rookies to seasoned vets and international grinders, UConn’s basketball legacy continues to stretch across the globe. As we hit the heart of the NBA season, keep an eye on these former Huskies - some are already making waves, and others are just getting started.