The UConn Huskies may actually use Stephon Fortress proper now, and it is arduous to consider the 20-year-old San Antonio Spurs guard can be a sophomore for the Huskies if he had returned to Storrs.
In fact, that might have been a ridiculous choice given Fortress’s perspective. NBA preparationwho’s among the many finest within the 2024 NBA rookie class.
Seeing Fortress’s expertise translate so seamlessly to the NBA reiterates how a lot Dan Hurley’s program misplaced worth when Fortress moved to the subsequent stage (to not point out Donovan Clingan, Cam Spencer and Tristen Newton all joins Fortress).
In simply 19 video games with the Spurs, Fortress has San Antonio followers greater than excited in regards to the workforce’s future. Not too long ago – and ingeniously – somebody gave the nickname “Space 51” to Fortress (uniform #5) and Victor Wembanyama (uniform #1), the latter already being in comparison with an alien for his past. unicorn rarity of expertise.
Fortress is averaging 11.5 factors and three.8 assists per recreation for the Spurs, however his affect goes past statistics. He confirmed the flexibility to protect the opposite workforce’s finest guard or wing on a nightly foundation, a reasonably eye-opening skill for a 20-year-old with restricted NBA expertise.
Offensively, Fortress has already scored 20+ factors thrice, exhibiting his potential as a official second possibility on that finish. His explosiveness is undeniably elite – even amongst NBA athletes – and if his jumper comes alongside as he will get older, there is not any purpose why Fortress cannot be a constant 20-point scorer sooner or later .
The Spurs held a 10-9 report as of Friday, and one of many essential causes for that’s their choice to insert Fortress into the beginning lineup on November 6 and preserve him there.
Fortress has already acquired assist from LeBron James and ChrisPaulso there may be additionally that.
San Antonio has a ridiculous duo to construct round in Fortress and Wembanyama. Do not be shocked in the event that they rise to contender standing a lot before anticipated and turn out to be one of many hottest manufacturers within the league over the subsequent couple of years.
Extra from NCAA: Dan Hurley’s double antidote for UConn: extra Liam McNeeley, extra tempo
