Colin Castleton named to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Watch List
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Ahead of the 2022-23 season, Florida Gators center Colin Castleton has been named to the 2023 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Watch List, an award that recognizes the best centers in college basketball. Other names on the 2023 watch list include Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe, Clemson’s PJ Hall, North Carolina’s Armando Bacot and Alabama’s Charles Bediako.
In 2021 and 2022, Castleton was voted to the All-SEC Second Team by the coaches. The Gators center averaged 16.2 points, nine rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game in the 2021-22 season, showing off his abilities for NBA scouts.
After a stellar performance last season, Castleton had a decision to make: return to school or pursue a future in the NBA. The 6-foot-11, 250-pound center decided to return to Florida for Todd Golden’s first year as head coach of the Gators.
Castleton talks return to Florida, goals for the season
Last month, Castleton spoke with the media about coming back to UF and why he chose to return, a decision in which Golden played a role.
“Just giving me the pitch of what he saw and liked this year, and what he’s gonna bring to the table for me and the team, and what we could do, and we can accomplish,” Castleton said. “Not personally, but also as a team. So, all that stuff was great.”
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After transferring back home to Florida from Michigan, Castleton said he took on a leadership role with the Gators. Behind his excellent play on the floor, he also led the team off the court. Now back after a shoulder injury, Castleton looks to repeat the success he had last season with more help around him.
For Castleton, he wants to take the NBA feedback he received this offseason and use it during his final year at Florida. Some areas he wants to key in on are fewer turnovers on offense, passing better and showing off his range with his jumper.
“Every day I’ve been putting the reps in and he’s been teaching me little things to get better at shooting the ball. Just being confident in it,” Castleton said, “because that’s a big thing in being able to shoot.”
The Florida Gators have their first open scrimmage for fans next week as the Gators hold an intra-squad showcase at the O’Dome on Tuesday.
