2023 NBA Draft Prospect Highlights: Colin Castleton
Overview
A five-year college product, Colin Castleton played two seasons at Michigan prior to three strong campaigns at Florida. Blossoming into a full-time starter upon joining the Gators, Castleton concludes with career averages of 14.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks across 78 contests. Castleton’s 194 career blocks rank third in program history, while his 2.5 blocks per game are a Florida record. He blocked 3.0 shots per game in 26 starts in 2022-23. Castleton was All-SEC 1st Team in 2023 after earning All-SEC 2nd Team honors in 2021 and 2022.
Analysis
Despite standing 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan at 230 pounds, Castleton is a fluid and agile big. A gifted one-on-one shot blocker and a skilled team defender, he represented a critical defensive anchor throughout his time at Florida. His excellent reach allows him to contest shots everywhere on the floor, but his comparatively slow speed makes him more of a containment and drop-coverage big when not hovering in the paint. Offensively, Castleton operated primarily as a post-up big and roll man. He took 57.9 % of his shots at the rim.
Projection
Castleton attempted to add a 3-point stroke to his game in 2022-23 but connected on just 2-for-15 attempts. His size and coordination make him a solid rim-runner and forceful finisher, but there’s no offensive facet with Castleton excels. Evolving his physique could unlock Walker Kessler-esque utilization for the 23-year-old. Kessler’s shot-blocking prowess is an extremely high bar, but he’s also an underrated agile screener and crafty mover around the basket — traits Castleton could work to emulate.
— Profile by RotoWire