Everyone knows it’s a new era for UConn men’s basketball, with the Huskies cementing blue blood status beyond any shadow of a doubt and increasing their overall national title count by 33 percent over last two years.
But this new era is also evident when you look at the names of former Huskies on NBA rosters, as only one former UConn star didn’t play for head coach Dan Hurley (that’s 13-year vet Andre Drummond, who played for Jim Calhoun in his final season).
Hurley’s Huskies have been infiltrating the league at a steady rate over the last couple of years, and they’re starting to pop up on your screen almost as frequently as Kentucky players (not quite, but it’s getting there).
Seven former UConn players have seen time in the NBA so far this year, and three others are on two-way contracts, including 2023-24 national champs Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer.
Here’s a ranking of how former Huskies are faring in the NBA so far this season:
1. Jordan Hawkins, G, New Orleans Pelicans: Hawk was off to a flying start (cut to Dan Hurley flapping his arms) in his second season, posting 20-plus points three times and averaging 16.3 per game on 40 percent shooting before a lower back strain sidelined him last week. He’s expected to miss 1-2 weeks. It’s not ideal timing for the ’23 national champ, as injuries to Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum and Herbert Jones had opened up more playing time for him, and he was taking advantage. Still, Hawkins has shown enough this season to warrant consistent run, no matter who’s on the injury report.
2. Andre Drummond, C, Philadelphia 76ers: The 13-year vet earns the second spot on this list for his workmanlike performance so far this season. The 31-year-old has started all nine of the Sixers’ games with Joel Embiid out, and he’s produced 9.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per. And here’s a fun fact you may not have been aware of: Drummond currently ranks second among active NBA players in career rebounds. Second. Behind only LeBron James. Not bad for a kid from Middletown.
3. Stephon Castle, G, San Antonio Spurs: The No. 4 overall pick in this year’s draft has made an impression on Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, and he’s been given plenty of playing time, starting 4 of 11 games and averaging 23.3 minutes per. He’s been impactful on defense, affording himself well in assignments against some of the league’s best scorers and averaging a steal per game. He’s also electrified fans with high-flying dunks and slick passes, and went for a career-high 23 points on Saturday against the Jazz. His shooting numbers (37% FG) could be better, but the rook is averaging 8.5 points and 2.8 assists so far, and he’ll only get better with time.
4. Andre Jackson Jr., F, Milwaukee Bucks: With the Bucks off to an appalling 1-6 start, head coach Doc Rivers looked to Jackson for a spark, thrusting the second-year former Husky into the starting lineup last week for the first time this season. It paid immediate dividends, as Jackson recorded 7 points, 4 assists, 4 steals and 3 rebounds in 28 minutes in a blowout win over the Jazz. The good vibes didn’t last, however, as the Bucks dropped their next two. Still, Giannis had high praise for A-Jax: “He brings energy,” the former MVP said. “He plays his a— off, guards the best player. We play faster. He was incredible today. We definitely need that. We need that spark. We need to play with that energy.”
5. Donovan Clingan, C, Portland Trail Blazers: ‘Cling Kong’ has made an immediate impact on defense, averaging 1.6 blocks (good enough for 10th in the NBA) in just 13.9 minutes per game. He’s seen consistent time as Deandre Ayton’s backup, and has made the most of it, posting a career-best 13 points in 17 minutes in a blowout loss to Memphis on Sunday. The Bristol native will continue to fight for more run, and should get it as the 3-8 Blazers continue to sink in the West standings. He didn’t get the chance to play with Cooper Flagg in Storrs, but Portland would sure love to unite the two friends next season.
6. Adama Sanogo, C, Chicago Bulls: The 2023 Final Four Most Outstanding Player was hoping to make a bigger impact with the Bulls this season after spending most of last year with the G League team, but he’s played in just two NBA games so far. Sanogo continues to produce when he’s on the court, though, scoring six points and grabbing two boards in a total of 14 minutes with Chicago. In the G League, he’s averaging 20 points and 12.5 rebounds in two games.
7. Tyrese Martin, G, Brooklyn Nets: One of Hurley’s first former Huskies to reach the NBA, Martin has found a way to stick around– bouncing between the Association and the G League. He’s seen the floor in two games in the NBA so far, and figures to see time with the Long Island Nets when he’s not on the Brooklyn bench.
8. Tristen Newton, G, Indiana Pacers: The 2024 Final Four MOP is on a two-way contract with the Pacers and hasn’t seen any time in the NBA regular season yet, but he’s balled out so far with the Indiana Mad Ants in the G League, averaging a very Newton-like stat line of 15.5 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists through two games.
9. James Bouknight, G, Portland Trail Blazers: The former lottery pick is trying to work his way back to the NBA after being cut by the Charlotte Hornets. He signed a contract with the Blazers’ G League squad, the Rip City Remix, and is averaging 17.6 points and 2.5 assists through two games.
10: Cam Spencer, F, Memphis Grizzlies: The firecracker leader of last year’s national champs has yet to see time this season as he’s dealt with a right ankle sprain. When he does take the court, it’ll likely be for the Memphis Hustle in the G League. Spencer, also on a two-way contract, hopes to see time with the big-league club this season and called the injury ” beyond frustrating.”
Honorable Mention: Shabazz Napier and Niels Giffey (Bayern Munich, Germany), Joey Calcaterra (Santa Cruz Warriors), Nahiem Alleyne (AEK Athens, Greece), Amida Brimah (Manresa, Spain), R.J. Cole (Rytas, Lithuania), Christian Vital (Bertram Tortona, Italy), Jalen Adams (Hapoel Unet Holon, Israel)
Check out a full list of former Huskies men in the pros here.
Originally Published:
