The Huskies returned to the court after the NBA All-Stars break, with head-to-head clashes and players returning from injuries.
Stephon Castle
After winning the Rising Stars most Valuable Player Award at the NBA All-Stars weekend, Stephon Castle struggled to transition his skills back to the San Antonio Spurs. Looking at the team’s last four matchups, the most points the rookie scored was 12 against the Detroit Pistons. Despite losing Victor Wembanyama for the rest of the season, court time continues to fluctuate for the guard from game-to-game. For example, in the back-to-back clashes with the New Orleans Pelicans, Castle played 22 minutes the first night but declined the following game with 12 minutes. However, the 2024 National Champion only contributed a total of six points between both contests. Nonetheless, Castle proved that getting out of a slump is no problem, as he put up 23 points against the Los Angeles Lakers after knocking down five baskets against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Donovan Clingan
Despite not going to the NBA All-Stars weekend, taking a week off did not affect Donovan Clingan. The big man averaged seven points in the Portland Trail Blazers’ previous three games, shooting perfect from the field against the Charlotte Hornets. To add on, the 7-foot-2 player invited the Lakers to his block party, swatting away three balls. Moreover, the rookie continues to lead the team in blocks, averaging nearly one and a half a game, per ESPN. The odds of seeing more of Clingan look high, as Deandre Ayton suffered a calf strain, leaving him out for four matches. With nearly 21 minutes given to the two-time national champion following the All-Stars weekend, nothing is stopping his dominance.
Jordan Hawkins
After returning to the lineup following a left ankle injury, Jordan Hawkins consistently increased his contribution. Prior to the All-Star weekend, the second-year guard competed against the Sacramento Kings and dished out 16 points. A week later, the former Husky got into a slump like Castle, dropping five points against the Dallas Mavericks. However, in the back-to-back clashes with the Spurs, Hawkins combined for 22 points. Something to note is that the 22-year-old struggles from outside the field right now, hitting about two out of a little more than five attempts a game. Despite missing the target, the former Husky averaged 23 minutes in the last three contests, giving him plenty of time to get an increase in confidence.
Andre Jackson Jr.
After participating in the 2025 dunk competition, Andre Jackson Jr. suffered a right wrist sprain, causing him to miss the Los Angeles Clippers matchup. To add on, the guard hardly played against the Washington Wizards and Miami Heat games, seeing only two and a half minutes. The former Husky has yet to compete in a full contest, and his availability for their clash against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday stays in the air, per CBS Sports.
Tristen Newton
Tristen Newton continues to thrive for the Iowa Wolves in the G League, recording 17 points, nearly seven rebounds and a little over six assists per game. In recent news, the former Husky earned his second triple-double, putting up 15 buckets, 12 boards and 10 set ups against the Sioux Falls Skyforce. Furthermore, the 23-year-old carried his dominance into Monday night’s matchup, securing a double-double with 23 points and 10 snatches off the rim. However, the guard struggles to get a shot on the main roster, as the Minnesota Timberwolves last called him up on February 13.
UConn coach Dan Hurley reacts after guard Cam Spencer (12) scored 3 points during the first half of the team’s NCAA college basketball game against Providence, Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
Cam Spencer
Cam Spencer returned to basketball after recovering from a fractured thumb suffered back in January. The former Husky started off slow in his first game back against the Rio Grande Valley G League team, dropping 13 points. However, getting back into the swing of things didn’t take long, as the 24-year-old knocked down 25 points in back-to-back matchups. With the Memphis Grizzlies’ roster fully healthy, seeing Spencer brought up is low for right now.
Adama Sanogo
Adama Sanogo sits as a free agent after the Chicago Bulls waived him on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The team finalized the decision after finding out the 22-year-old will miss four weeks from a right ailing knee, per CBS Sports.