The NBA All-Star weekend is here, but before getting into that, let’s look at the Huskies in the past few weeks.
Stephon Castle
Stephon Castle continues to prove to everyone that he is a generational talent. Despite the San Antonio Spurs posting a 2-4 record in February, the rookie has consistently put up double-digit point totals. The guard is dominating the court with an average of nearly 18 points and a little more than 25 minutes a game. In addition, the former Husky reached a new career high against the Charlotte Hornets with 33 points last Friday. The 20-year-old cashed in 66.7% from the field, 60% from three and knocked in almost 91% of his free throws. The Georgia native put on an impressive performance before heading to San Francisco for the All-Star dunk contest.
Donovan Clingan
Unlike Castle, Donovan Clingan hasn’t scored as much, knocking down nearly six points per match. Despite Clingan’s lack of performance at the rim, the big man still shows off from time to time. In the Portland Trail Blazers’ most recent contest against the Denver Nuggets, ‘Cling Kong’ earned a career-high of 21 points. The rookie spent 21 minutes on the floor and was perfect from everywhere. To add on, the 7-foot-2 center continues to help the team immensely with rebounding and blocking. The Connecticut native continues to stay at the top in blockings for the Trail Blazers, with one and a half swats a game, according to ESPN. Furthermore, amongst the Trail Blazers’ roster, the 20-year-old sits behind Deandre Ayton in rebounds, per ESPN. Ayton leads the team with a little more than 10 boards a night, while Clingan is securing nearly six and a half balls a match. Despite not going to the NBA All-Star weekend, the rising star continues to make his name heard.
Jordan Hawkins
In the month of February, it is safe to say that Jordan Hawkins has seen better days. After suffering from a left ankle injury during his matchup against the Denver Nuggets, Hawkins has not played since February 10. In the four clashes he participated in, the former Husky put up a combined total of 27 points. However, the guard went scoreless in two out of four competitions in February. Despite his current struggles, the second-year player is scheduled to come back against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, per Fox Sports.
Andre Jackson Jr.
Like Clingan, Andre Jackson Jr. isn’t putting up many shots. Jackson averages three and a half points a game, making 45% from two and 33.3% outside the perimeter. Considering his time with Connecticut, seeing the guard struggle from the three-point line should come as no surprise. For Connecticut, the 23-year-old punched in 25-89 of his tries from long range on a 28.1% shooting percentage. However, the playmaker thrived off assists in college and continues to do the same with the Milwaukee Bucks. Jackson comes up with nearly three rebounds and dishes out about one ball per match in February. Now, Jackson will go on to face Castle in the NBA dunk contest. With a little more than 16 minutes of play per contest, the former Husky continues to fight to make a name for himself.
Tristen Newton
Ever since Tristen Newton got picked up by the Minnesota Timberwolves, the rookie has exploded with the Iowa Wolves in the G League. With that said, Newton is using all 35 and a half minutes to his advantage. The guard is cashing in 19 and a half points per game, with about six made from inside and a little more than two successful threes. In addition, the rookie participated in 10 clashes, starting in nine. Despite doing well in the G League, Newton is hardly seeing the main roster. However, the Timberwolves recently called the former Husky up on Monday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 23-year-old appeared for five minutes and attempted one field goal, had three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Despite thriving in the G League, Newton has yet to take his talent to the next level.
Adama Sanogo
Like Newton, Adama Sanogo is performing at a high level for the Chicago Bulls’ G League team. The undrafted forward is averaging 29 minutes with the Windy City Bulls and is finding success in bringing the ball to the rim. Sanogo drops in about six dimes a match and rarely shoots from three. Defensively, the 23-year-old is snagging nearly 12 rebounds per contest. However, when it comes to the NBA, the second-year player has yet to get called up in the new year. Despite finding success in the G League, Sanogo is fighting for a shot on the main roster.
Cam Spencer
Cam Spencer has been out for nearly five weeks after undergoing surgery to repair his left thumb that he fractured on Jan. 10. The Memphis Grizzlies ruled the rookie out for at least three weeks. However, the 24-year-old has a chance to return against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, but it is unclear if he is ready, per CBS Sports.