SAN ANTONIO – In less than a year, Stephon Castle has accomplished more in college and professional basketball than most athletes ever could.

On April 8, Castle helped UConn secure its second straight NCAA Championship in its only collegiate season. The guard won the Big East Conference Freshman of the Year award and was also named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team.

Three months later, Castle was joined by his college head coach Dan Hurley in Brooklyn, New York, where he was selected No. 4 overall by the Spurs in the 2024 NBA Draft.

“It’s definitely a dream come true,” the 19-year-old told KSAT 12 Sports a week after the draft. “Looking at all the awards, it seems like a perfect scenario.”

Castle has since played in the NBA Summer League, recovering from a wrist sprain suffered during Summer League action and impressing in San Antonio’s five preseason games.

In between was a trip to the White House, where he and his Huskies teammates were honored for their national title run.

As Castle approaches his NBA debut on Thursday night, it’s still unclear exactly what role he’ll play. The Spurs coaching staff has kept the player rotation a secret.

The 19-year-old Castle’s biggest strengths entering the league include his perimeter defense – as he was given the toughest perimeter defense assignments in college – his playmaking ability, his confident demeanor and his workhorse mentality.

In five preseason games with San Antonio, Castle came off the bench and averaged 11 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 21.1 minutes of play.

“He didn’t miss a step,” Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said. “He’s just getting used to the physicality and speed of the game and learning how we play. It’s a new playbook for him. They’ve done a lot of continuity work at UConn, and we like that kind of thing too.”

“The most important thing is to use my versatility on the court,” Castle said of his vision for his role. “I just go out there and have no expectations.”

“If I can find a way to help us win, that’s a good role for me,” Castle added. “I feel like I’ve shown a lot of my versatility.”

There are a few factors that could likely lead to Castle immediately playing a bigger role than expected.

• San Antonio fifth-year guard Devin Vassell is out until at least Nov. 1 with a right foot injury, which means more playing time

• Future National Basketball Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul has been a resource and mentor for Castle since the start of training camp

• The preseason gave the Spurs coaching staff a good sample size to see how effective Castle could be off the bench

The Spurs didn’t have much time together on the field before training camp began on October 1st. The impression Castle has already made on his new teammates is amazing.

Paul expressed his confidence in Castle and pointed out his “determination.”

“I think of all the point guards I’ve seen over the years. One of the things you have to have in common with everyone is a courage, a will,” Paul said. “Aside from talent and ability, you also have to have some kind of chip on your shoulder, and Steph(on) definitely has that. I think that was the first thing I paid attention to. He’s not looking for someone to be his friend or anything. He’s a hooper and I respect that.”

Castle is expected to make his regular-season debut with the Spurs on Thursday when San Antonio visits the Dallas Mavericks. The meeting point is scheduled for 6:30 p.m