"I wish you were still with us": UConn fans get emotional as Spurs rookie Stephon Castle finally receives NCAA rings as a Christmas gift

NBA rookie Stephon Castle finally got his 2024 NCAA championship ring on Christmas right before the San Antonio Spurs' game against the New York Knicks. In a video posted by the franchise's social media team, Castle is accompanied by his fellow Spurs teammates celebrating his mother's birthday. Quannette Castle, his mother, then surprised her son with a Christmas gift.

The post has since gained the attention of fans, specifically the UConn faithful. Many have expressed how much they miss the former Big East Freshman of the Year who has since taken his talents to the NBA level.

"I wish you were still with us. However, you belong where you are," one fan shared.

"Miss that kid so much! Take care of him San Antonio," another Huskies fan said with castle emojis.

"Castle is my favorite 'one and done' UConn has ever had. Around this time last year, he was coming off an injury and just got better and better each game. Come March this guy was lockdown on D and scored from anywhere on offense. Spurs got a great one," one fan detailed.

There was even one who shouted his mother out.

"Steph’s mom truly is the definition of an all time UConn legend," a user replied.

Nevertheless, others are just proud to see the UConn Huskies program represented well through the steady play of Castle as of late.

"YESSIR HUSKY NATION BABY," a user exclaimed.

"Proud to be a life-long Husky fan and have young men like Stephon Castle represent Uconn," one user wrote.

"The Husky World Order," another fan claimed.

Among Castle's other accolades during his one and only stint under Dan Hurley and the UConn Huskies was being selected to the Big East All-Freshman Team. His skills and leadership were one of the driving forces for the team's 37-3 overall record en route to the 2023-2024 NCAA national title victory.

On the heels of a 10-3 standing thus far, Hurley and the new crop of Huskies are looking to replicate the same success even without Castle this year. They return to action after the holiday break on the first day of 2025 against the DePaul Blue Demons.

Stephon Castle is one of the standout NBA rookies this season

6-foot-6 guard Stephon Castle is having a respectable rookie stint in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs. In the 2024-2025 campaign, Castle is averaging 11.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game thus far as one of the main rotation pieces of legendary NBA coach Gregg Popovich.

Alongside superstar Victor Wembanyama, Castle aims to bring glory back to the storied franchise that has amassed five championships in its history. Luckily for the 20-year-old, he can learn from veteran facilitator Chris Paul as he resides as the team's starting point guard.