This year, nine former Huskies are rostered on NBA teams, highlighting the program’s growing prominence in the sport. Even more impressive, seven of these players have come from the past two years. UConn’s ability to produce NBA-level talent has reached new heights, warranting a closer look at each player’s expectations for the season.
Andre Drummond, Philadelphia 76ers
In his 13th NBA season, Andre Drummond is listed as the backup center for the Sixers. However, with star center Joel Embiid missing some time, he may see an increased workload this year. Embiid is nursing his left knee after a torn meniscus last season, which caused him to miss significant time. He returned for the playoffs and the Olympics in the offseason, but it seems the injury has resurfaced. In the meantime, Drummond should be the next in line after a strong preseason, capped off by a 20-rebound game against the Magic. Averaging 12.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in his career, Drummond could be an interior anchor for Philadelphia when Embiid isn’t in the lineup.
Tyrese Martin, Brooklyn Nets
On his third team in as many seasons, the Nets recently announced that Tyrese Martin secured the team’s third and final two-way contract. He will likely spend a good amount of the year in the G-League, though the Nets may see potential in his contributions to the team. His positional versatility at 6-foot-6, for example, may make him a valuable depth piece when called up to the NBA squad. Although he may not be a regular for the Nets, Martin will get the opportunity to solidify his place in the league.
Jordan Hawkins, New Orleans Pelicans
Drafted No. 14 in the 2023 NBA draft, Jordan Hawkins is entering his second year with the Pelicans. In his rookie season, he contributed mostly off the bench, appearing in 67 games with ten starts. Hawkins has already shown that he can be an offensive spark, averaging 7.8 points per game and shooting 37% from three. He also looked impressive throughout the preseason, coming off a 20-point game before the regular season began. Hawkins has proven to be an effective scorer off the bench for New Orleans and is hoping to expand his role with the team in his second year. If given the opportunity, he could be set for a breakout year.
Andre Jackson Jr., Milwaukee Bucks
Selected in the second round of the 2023 draft, Andre Jackson Jr. also looks like he will carve out a larger role with the Bucks after returning from a finger fracture sustained in the summer league. He should expect a similar role to last year, serving as a backup with several veterans ahead of him in the Bucks lineup. Jackson has shown flashes of his potential, especially on the defensive end, and consistently brings the same energy he showed during UConn’s 2023 title run. In his second year in the league, Jackson aims to develop as a player and establish himself as a consistent part of the Bucks.
Adama Sanogo, Chicago Bulls
Adama Sanogo recently re-signed a two-way contract with the Bulls after a promising first year spent mostly in the G-League, where he averaged 22 points per game and 12.7 rebounds. Sanogo, another key figure in the Huskies’ 2023 championship run, has made an impression in his limited NBA appearances, and a strong preseason performance has further solidified him as a candidate for more playing time going forward. With the Bulls potentially looking to reshape their roster, Sanogo could see more opportunities later in the season if he maintains this kind of performance.
Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs
As the No. 4 pick in the 2024 draft, Stephon Castle enters the league with high expectations. At just 19 years old, the Spurs see him as a key piece of their developing young core, along with Victor Wembanyama. He may not be an everyday starter early on, with veterans like Tre Jones on the roster ahead of him, but Castle will get plenty of opportunities to adjust to the next level. His offensive potential and disciplined defensive abilities make him a well-rounded prospect for the Spurs. If he adjusts quickly, he could move up on the depth chart sooner rather than later.
Donovan Clingan, Portland Trailblazers
The seventh overall pick this year, Donovan Clingan, joins a fully rebuilt Portland team this year. The 7-foot-2 center is currently listed as the backup center for Portland behind Deandre Ayton. However, with his towering presence and shot-blocking ability, Clingan could prove to be an immediate upgrade defensively. His rim protection and rebounding will be hard to ignore, and he may force himself into more consistent playing time as a result. As Portland continues to foster young talent, Clingan has a clear path to becoming a key piece of their core going forward.
Tristen Newton, Indiana Pacers
Tristen Newton, drafted in the second round after earning the NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player honors, begins his NBA career on a two-way contract with the Indiana Pacers. Newton’s basketball IQ and versatility on the court make him an intriguing prospect for Indiana going forward. With the Pacers boasting a strong backcourt with the likes of Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell, however, it will be challenging to break into the rotation. Newton will have time to develop in the G-League until opportunities arise in the future. While immediate playing time in the NBA may be limited, Newton has the skills to become a solid part of the Pacers’ future.
Cam Spencer, Memphis Grizzlies
Cam Spencer will have to wait a little longer to make his professional debut as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained in the summer league. Drafted in the second round and signed to a two-way deal with Memphis, Spencer’s shooting ability, showcased by a 44 percent three-point percentage at UConn last year, makes him a promising prospect for the Grizzlies. Once healthy, we can expect him to start in the G-League, where, like other Huskies right now, he will work to get a shot at the NBA level.
As the NBA season is finally underway, the Huskies continue to leave their mark across the league. With young talent like Castle and Clingan alongside veterans like Drummond, UConn basketball has proven its ability to prepare players for the pros, especially under head coach Dan Hurley. As these nine players progress through the season, they carry forward the winning culture that has become synonymous with UConn basketball.