Big East alums are making a strong first impression in NBA preseason games with former Marquette star Tyler Kolek and former UConn standout Stephon Castle both averaging more than 10 points per game. Three of the first 13 college players selected in the 2024 NBA Draft came out of the Big East. Castle landed in San Antonio with the fourth overall pick while his former UConn teammate Donovan Clingan was selected seventh overall by the Portland Trail Blazers. Former Providence guard Devin Carter was the No. 13 pick by the Sacramento Kings. However, he suffered a shoulder injury that will sideline him for multiple months.
Here’s a look at how the former Big East stars are playing in the early stages of the NBA preseason schedule.
Big East Alums Off To Solid Starts In NBA
National Champions Making Their Mark Early At NBA Level
UConn had four of its starters selected in the 2024 NBA Draft to lead the way among the Big East alums. They are still adapting to life in the NBA.
Castle is averaging 11 points on 50% shooting with seven assists in his first two preseason games with the San Antonio Spurs. He also has one of the most memorable dunks in the early stages of the preseason.
STEPHON CASTLE POSTER pic.twitter.com/M1VrqHogdw
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 8, 2024
Clingan made his preseason debut on Friday. Clingan had seven points, five rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot in Portland’s 101-99 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
“I thought he was OK,” Portland head coach Chauncey Billups told the media following the game. “To me, they scored a little bit too easy down there.”
Also, Tristen Newton averaged seven points and had five assists in his first two games with the Indiana Pacers. Cam Spencer is working his way back from an ankle injury. He has yet to play in the first two preseason games for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Rookies From Marquette Among Top Big East Alums
There was chatter that Kolek could be one of the best selections in the draft. Certainly, the second-round pick by the Knicks is looking like he will provide great value from his draft slot. Kolek is making those who touted his potential impact look pretty good.
The six-foot-one guard out of Marquette was on the court late in a tight matchup with the Charlotte Hornets in New York’s preseason opener. Kolek had 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting in the 111-109 win.
Tyler Kolek’s best plays so far this preseason! 🔥
Is he the steal of the draft? 👀 pic.twitter.com/2Kxp3qGVMA
— Fireside Knicks (@FiresideKnicks) October 12, 2024
Kolek finished with 15 points and five assists in 17 minutes as the Knicks topped the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. He is pushing to become the primary backup to point guard Jalen Brunson.
Oso Ighodaro, Kolek’s former teammate at Marquette, was also selected in the second round in the 2024 NBA Draft. Ighodaro had 18 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists as the Suns won their first two preseason games. It was more of a struggle on Friday as he missed all five of his shots in a loss to Detroit.
Alexander Making His Presence Felt
Trey Alexander went undrafted despite averaging 17.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists as a junior at Creighton last season. He had a quiet preseason opener. However, Alexander had 12 points, four rebounds, and five assists in 20 minutes in a loss to the Boston Celtics. Alexander is joining a talented Denver team. It remains to be seen how much playing time he will receive at the NBA level in the 2024-25 season. He is hoping to give the Nuggets brass something to think about.
