Interestingly, Spurs Castle reviews the 2025-26 season after winning Rookie of the Year

After winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award, Stephen Castle admitted that his second season with the Spurs could not surprise his opponents.

With the 2025 NBA Draft approaching, it's easy to forget about it now, but before last year's draft and after Stephen Castle's name was announced, the San Antonio Spurs seemed to have gained the potential of Rookie of the Year again.

His calm confidence shows that this former UConn Huskies player thinks so. But his words suggest another point of view.

"I mean, everyone in the NBA knows I'm the Rookie of the Year," Castle said as he received the award.

Then he said another sentence, which surprised some people.

"Early next year, I can't really attack my opponent like this year."

For this player from Covington, Georgia, being able to attack his opponent is of great significance. From the moment the odds makers start tracking, they predicted Castle would win the Rookie of the Year.

"It is definitely a blessing to get this position," the Huskies national champion added.

Stephen Castle looks forward after a brilliant rookie season, considering that San Antonio only won the Rookie of the Year award, it is no surprise that Castle and Victor Vimbaniama became the first player in Spurs history to win the award for two consecutive years. More importantly, this adds a cornerstone to the team's goal of returning to its former glory.

"I think this highly praises our management, they are decision makers," Castle shared. "This obviously highly praised Vick and me. It also highly praised our future - what we are doing and what we plan to do in the near future."

Although Castle came to Winby High School with anticipation, he was different from Winby High School in that he did not receive the attention of the whole world.

"I've been through all this year. Being able to enter the NBA has been an achievement for me," the 20-year-old guard continued. "I am in today, those emotions, really hard to suppress. I really cherish the time I have with my family. They are always around me and never miss any step. They allow me to enjoy such moments with ease."

"The whole world can see all the support I have received from San Antonio," Castle added, speaking of this huge support.

Stephen Castle outperformed expectations in the rookie season Although he was not the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, it didn't take long before many analysts listed Stephen Castle as a favorite for the Rookie of the Year.

Asked him how to face reality...

"When I hear expectations, I will try to break through that wall"

In 47 starts and 81 games, Castle averaged 14.7 points, 4.1 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game. At the end of the season, he admitted that Rookie of the Year was his.

"I won't shy away from any such moments, so it's definitely a blessing to be able to get everyone to the best."

ClutchPoints had interviewed Castle before and asked him how he spent his first NBA season with the Spurs.

"When I hear expectations from the outside world, no matter what the expectations are, I will try to break through that wall. I feel so confident in myself as a player."

This confidence started when Spurs general manager Brian Wright selected him, when he was already in the NBA.

"I often hear Wright say that he doesn't even know what kind of player he's going to get," Castle continued. "Deep down, I know who I am. That's why I keep calm and humble because I feel that all the efforts I put in will pay off in the end."

is already there. Castle and the Spurs are now preparing for their second year.