CASTROL RISING STARS POSTGAME

February 14, 2025

Stephon Castle

Team C

Press Conference

Q. Did you hear from Victor (Wembanyama) yet or did you contact him afterward?

STEPHON CASTLE: No, I haven't even got to my phone. I know it's probably blowing up right now.

Q. What was your approach tonight? You were getting to the rim with ease and you were also distributing. It looked like you were in full control out there. What was your approach to the game?

STEPHON CASTLE: I mean, just come out there, play my game, play with confidence, do whatever I need to do to help us win. Just use my whole versatility to my advantage.

Q. This is a big moment for you as you are now Rising Stars MVP, but now you get a chance to play on Sunday. What does this moment mean for your career?

STEPHON CASTLE: It means a lot. Really just me personally, not just looking at my career, just to be able to play against those guys I've been watching forever in my first All-Star Weekend is definitely a blessing.

Q. How does winning this MVP award with the Rising Stars motivate you for the rest of the season, and do you see this as a steppingstone toward potentially playing in the All-Star Game in the future?

STEPHON CASTLE: Yeah, for sure. Whether I win it or not, I felt like that was a big goal of mine, to be an All-Star.

But yeah, it definitely -- I feel like it increases my chances a little bit.

Q. Now you have a chance, obviously you won MVP here, you got the Dunk Contest tomorrow and then you have a chance to play on Sunday. Have you thought about the three-peat, winning two MVPs and the Dunk Contest?

STEPHON CASTLE: Yeah, I've definitely thought about it. I want to take it one step at a time, though. Maybe get back to me tomorrow after I win the Dunk Contest.

Q. You called "game" on the first game with the mid-range jumper. Then you gave the assist on the game-winning shot in the second game. What do those two plays mean to you?

STEPHON CASTLE: I feel like it means a lot. We won, so that's always great. To be a part of the game-winning bucket in both, it means a lot.

Q. Talk a little bit about the mix that you guys had and how you kind of all contributed and how you were looking for guys kicking out and just trying to share the ball.

STEPHON CASTLE: I feel like our team was super versatile. We had shooters, guys that can defend. We had Edey in there blocking shots, Trayce being versatile. I feel like Coach Mullin drafted a great team, and you've seen the result.