Stephon Castle, Harrison Ingram Discuss First Summer League Practices

Wednesday rookies Stephon Castle and Harrison Ingram discussed their first days of participating in Summer League practices.

Before their first Summer League games begin this weeked, San Antonio Spurs rookies Stephon Castle and Harrison Ingram discussed taking part in the first few days of Summer League practices.

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Stephon Castle

Castle on adjusting to the NBA

“Physicality probably. Guys are stronger, older, just getting adjusted to that.”

Tuesday, Summer League Head Coach Kenny Trevino mentioned how Castle fought through some adversity and responded well. Asked what Trevino meant by adversity, Castle said:

“Understanding the speed of the game, the physicality, really with my decision making and stuff. With the pre-draft process, you don’t get to play a lot of live stuff, just knocking off a little bit of that rust.”

Castle said he hasn’t played real competitive basketball in a game-type situation since UConn won the National Championship in early April. He said while he’s played some pick-up basketball here and there, he’s looking forward to the first Summer League game Saturday.

“It’s going to be fun,” said Castle of the Summer League games approaching.

Castle on his stoic personality

Before the Spurs drafted Castle, when I was writing my scouting report on him, I noticed how on the court, he always had a very calm demeanor. He never got overwhelmed and was always in control.

Spurs General Manager Brian Wright has said Castle has a stoic personality, something echoed by SL Head Coach Trevino.

When asked what his go-to celebration would be in a game after a highlight play, here was Castle’s response:

“I don’t have a go-to celebration, I just be coolin’ man.”

Asked if he’s always been very calm and composed, Castle said it’s who he’s always been.

“That’s just how I am. It’s hard to change that.”

Castle said he thinks he gets some of his personality from his parents. He said his mom has always been “real chill,” where as his Dad was more the opposite. Castle said he’s kind of in the middle of where his parents are personality-wise.

Castle’s early impressions of Harrison Ingram

“I could just sense his competitiveness from day one, really understanding that he’s coming here, trying to win, doing whatever he can to help us win and he’s been showing that.”

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Harrison Ingram

Ingram said in the few days that he’s been in San Antonio, he’s already met Spurs legends Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and David Robinson.

Ingram said he had dinner with Ginobili at a restaurant on the Riverwalk and Ginobili gave him advice on his NBA journey, since Ginobili had a similar path, also as a second round pick.

Ingram on what he expects his role to be with the Spurs in his rookie season

“Whatever it takes to win, on a day-in and day-out basis. I know my role isn’t going to be to score right away, especially if I’m on the main team with Victor (Wembanyama), they’ve got Devin Vassell, Steph Castle, my guy, you’ve got Jeremy (Sochan). You’ve got so many guys that have been here for so long, so it’s not my job to score, it’s my job to make their job easier, whether that’s rebounding, defending, knocking down open shots when I’m open, make quick decisions, doing stuff like that, trying to figure out ways to win.”

Ingram said he’s happy to be part of the organization, whether that means having to spend some time in the G-League with the Austin Spurs, or being in San Antonio with the Spurs.

Ingram’s early impressions of Castle on and off the court