3 UConn Huskies players to watch out for in 2024 NBA draft: Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle and Cam Spencer 

The Connecticut Huskies basketball program is at its modern-day prime. Coached by Dan Hurley, UConn has maintained its dominance at the top for the last two years. In the 2022-23 season, they powered through every team in March Madness and defeated the highly supported San Diego State to lift the NCAA title.

Even though the Huskies were favored to win the championship this time around, they were expected to do it behind a tight score. However, UConn defeated the Purdue Boilermakers by 15. Now, Hurley has a chance to forge a three-peat for the first time in 40+ years. However, he will have to do it without some star players as they have transitioned onto their big-league dreams.

UConn Huskies players to watch out for in 2024 NBA draft

#1. Donovan Clingan

Syndication: Arizona Republic

Plenty of mock drafts see Donovan Clingan exiting the draft as a top five pick. He perhaps does not bring the glamor like previous top candidates, but offers to fill a void for the right team. The 7-foot-2 big man has the necessary skill set to be an immediate fit for a lottery team except the San Antonio Spurs unless they decide to pair him on the frontcourt with Victor Wembanyama.

Clingan averaged 13.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.9 blocks in the last 18 games to lead Uconn to its second title. He faced initial troubles due to injury, however, he soon found his leadership presence and defensive tenacity.

#2. Stephon Castle

NCAA Basketball: Final Four National Championship

While some mocks see Stephon Castle as a lottery pick, he is anticipated to be a top 10 pick in the 2024 NBA draft. The 6-foot-7 guard is an unselfish player who possesses the willingness for nitty gritty and versatility on defense. Moreover, he can also handle the ball, making him a perfect player to deploy on an emerging roster.

Castle posted 21 points in the Final Four for UConn while chiming in with 15 points in the finale. He can shoot the ball, take it to the rack and move well around the perimeter.

However, Hurley summoned him majorly for tasks like being a menace to Baylor Scheierman’s Creighton Bluejays during the season and Nate Oats’ Crimson Tide at the Final Four.

#3. Cam Spencer

NCAA Basketball: Final Four National Championship

Despite being projected as a mid-second-round pick, you just can’t leave Cam Spencer open or let him find lanes. He had the fifth-best 3-point shot in the NCAA last season and became UConn’s leader in free throw percentage (91.1%). He was also ranked eighth nationally in assist/turnover ratio (3.6). Spencer can feel the momentum of the game and accordingly put the ball in the open player’s hand.

Cam Spencer was a regular on Hurley’s roster last season and averaged 14.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 3.6 apg while starting all 40 games. He is projected to be a great role player with several mocks sending him to Miami.

Where do you think these three UConn stars should get drafted? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below