This week is set to be a big one for the UConn Huskies basketball team, with three players projected to be selected in the NBA Draft and another in the mix to join an NBA team. Freshman guard Estefa Castle is projected to go No. 4 to the San Antonio Spurs, while second-year big man Donovan Clingan is expected to go No. 7 to the Portland Trail Blazers. Transfer player Cam Spencer is ranked 48th for the Spurs, potentially joining Castle on the team. Point guard Tristen Newton may also land on an NBA team as a free agent if he is not drafted.
Clingan has been mentioned as a potential No. 1 pick by the Atlanta Hawks, but ESPN currently has French forward Zaccharie Risacher locked in that spot. The Hawks are reportedly interested in Clingan and may trade up to get him, while teams like the Memphis Grizzlies, who own the No. 9 pick, could also trade for Clingan.
Castle is expected to be a top pick in the draft, with ESPN praising his defensive skills and overall potential as an NBA standout. Spencer, on the other hand, is a proven shooter who played a key role for UConn, averaging 14.3 points and shooting 44% from deep. The team that drafts Spencer will be getting an older, more experienced player who can contribute immediately.
Coach Dan Hurley is hopeful for big things from his players in the NBA, following a successful run at UConn where the team won back-to-back NCAA championships. Hurley emphasized the importance of his former players performing well in the NBA to solidify the legacy of their college team.
Overall, this NBA Draft is anticipated to be a significant moment for the UConn Huskies program, with several players potentially making their mark in the professional league. The team’s success in college basketball is expected to translate to success at the next level, and fans are eager to see how these players will fare in the NBA.
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