"This is just the perfect player"- Dan Hurley excited for Stephon Castle after Spurs link him with Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs added Stephon Castle to the supporting cast around Victor Wembanyama. With the No. 4 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Silver and Black franchise used it on the former UConn star guard. Most analysts predicted that Castle’s size and defense in the perimeter would be just what the doctor ordered for the Spurs.

Castle’s shooting will need some work to be truly effective in the pros. He will see more time on the court if his 26.7% clip from deep will improve. The former Big East Freshman Player of the Year already showed big steps in that direction in the draft combine.

Dan Hurley, Stephon Castle’s coach with the Huskies last season, accompanied his former player during the draft. Hurley had this to say about San Antonio’s decision to get Castle:

“This guy, when you look at fit right there, the Spurs value winning, they value workers, they value championships and this is just the perfect player for them to draft for what they do in that organization. This guy’s just scratching the surface [of his potential].”

Stephon Castle will have an ideal start to his NBA career. After a year with Dan Hurley winning the NCAA championship, he will now play for the legendary Gregg Popovich. Castle will also be part of a team that is expected to be better in season 2 of the Victor Wembanyama era.

Castle might have to come off the bench as Devin Vassell is expected to be the starter at shooting guard. Hurley’s former star, however, has the versatility to line up across different positions. Spurs fans will be excited to see how “Pop” will deploy him.

---

Dan Hurley gave Jrue Holiday as the best Stephon Castle comparison

Leading into the 2024 NBA Draft, most mock drafts compared Stephon Castle to Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black. Dan Hurley, however, gave what he thought was the better player comparison to the former Huskies star:

“I liken him to like a Jrue Holiday type of guard in terms of [being] a defensive stopper at 1-4 positions because of his size and physical strength. A guy that when he’s on the ball can make all the right reads. … He is an incredible competitor and he is a winner.”

Hurley also repeatedly emphasized that Castle is not a “TikToker” or a “social media” diva. The coach raved about his former player’s focus, dedication and support group.

San Antonio Spurs fans will be thrilled to hear Dan Hurley’s comments. If Stephon Castle comes close to that description, then the team won big in this year’s draft.