Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan named to NBA All-Rookie Teams

UConn’s two rookies quickly established themselves as some of the league’s best.

Former UConn stars Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan wrapped up their first NBA season with some more hardware, as both were named to the 2025 Kia NBA All-Rookie Teams. Castle, the 2025 Rookie of the Year, was a unanimous selection to the first team, while Clingan earned a spot on the second team.

Castle’s unanimous appointment was well deserved, as the Covington, Georgia native became the second former Husky to earn Rookie of the Year honors. He played in all but one of the San Antonio Spurs’ games this season, averaging 14.7 points, 4.1 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game. Castle started 47 games for the Spurs this season, was named MVP of the All-Star Weekend Rising Stars Game and received 92 out of 100 possible votes for Rookie of the Year.

Clingan played 67 games for the Portland Trailblazers this season, starting 37 contests. He quickly established himself as an elite rim protector and rebounder, leading all rookies in blocks with 137. The Bristol, Connecticut native led the NBA in offensive rebounds per 36 minutes with 5.9, and finished his first season averaging 6.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.