Springfield, Mass. — Stephon Castle greeted Jayden Ross as his future UConn teammate walked off the court on Saturday during the Spalding Hoophall Classic.

They shared a hug before Ross headed downstairs to the locker room in Springfield College’s Blake Arena.

They’re part of UConn’s heralded top five-ranked recruiting class that will be headed to Storrs next season. The fivesome also includes 6-foot-4 guard Solomon Ball, 6-7 wing Jaylin Stewart and 7-0 center Youssouf Singare.

They’re already forming a bond. They all belong to a group chat and talk regularly.

“It’s always great to see my future UConn teammates,” Ross said. “I’ve talked to Stephon a few times before. I’d say all of us coming next year are pretty close already. It’s just good to know that we have that connection.”

Castle and Ross showcased their skills on Saturday before a packed crowd and with NBA scouts and UConn head coach Dan Hurley, associate head coach Kimani Young and assistant Luke Murray watching from the sidelines. They plan to attend UConn’s game against St. John’s in Hartford on Sunday.

A versatile 6-foot-7 guard playing at Newton High School in Covington Ga., Castle's basketball world has changed considerably since committing to UConn in November of 2021.

His stock has soared and he’s risen up the rankings to the No. 9 recruit in the country.

“I wasn’t really getting recruited that much,” Castle said. “I think I’ve grown as a player. I’ve matured a lot. I’m not forcing my shots and trusting my teammates. So I think that’s going to help me when I get (to UConn). I think I made the right decision. ... I made the decision before they started trending upwards.”

It’s a good thing Hurley and his staff identified Castle early on as a priority.

Recruiting experts regularly rave about Castle’s game and skill set.

“To be honest with you, they got him before most people in the country were really familiar with him as they are right now,” said Adam Finkelstein, director of scouting for 247Sports and college basketball insider for CBS Sports. “The most impressive thing is his commitment stayed solid the whole time even as he ascended the national rankings.”

On Saturday, Castle finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a block in a 61-52 loss to IMG Academy. He showed off his wide variety of skills, including a high basketball IQ, deft ball-handling and terrific court vision, as well as his all-around athleticism. But his shooting remains a work in progress, as he went 6 for 20 from the field.

In the second half, Castle sparked his team’s comeback attempt. He caught a pass in the lane and finished off the play with a dunk. Next, he buried a tough, contested jumper from the foul line.

Later, Castle fired a hard, cross-court pass to a teammate for a 3-pointer. But it wasn’t enough for Newton to avoid the loss.

After his game, Castle settled into a seat behind the basket to watch Ross, a 6-7 wing, play.

Playing for No. 8 ranked Long Island Lutheran, Ross contributed 11 points, three rebounds, four assists and four steals in a 64-56 win over Oak Hill Academy.

“It was definitely a good opportunity to come out and play in this environment,” said Ross, who plays with his brother Jacob. “I started off with a few jitters. This is probably the craziest environment that I have played in all year. … It was a great experience all-around.”

Ross was much more aggressive on defense than on offense.

In the second quarter, an active Ross picked off a pass, dribbled down court and beat two defenders for a layup.

It’s just the kind of defensive mindset that Hurley loves in a player.

“I try to be defense first and bring energy,” Ross said. “Today, I didn’t feel like I had my legs under me so I really wasn’t my best defensively.”

Saturday wasn’t the first time that a few members of the recruiting class have been together.

All five players visited UConn the same weekend last fall and recreated photos taken years ago of Michigan’s fabled Fab Five.

“It’s definitely cool being given that nickname and being known as that,” Ross said. “Obviously, we have a high standard to live up to. It’s definitely a cool opportunity and I think we have all the tools to take advantage of it and be successful.”

Castle prefers a different nickname for the group.

“I think we need a new one,” Castle said. “Fab Five, that’s kind of a legendary name. I don’t know if we’re that good yet.”

Both Ross and Castle have closely followed the Huskies this season.

They’re looking forward to trying to help UConn win championships.

“It’s definitely exciting knowing we’re going to have a real deep team next year, so everybody gets to play hard and get some rotation going,” Ross said. “Especially already knowing them a little bit. I’ve been watching them. I’m sure we’ve been watching each other. Then having the whole summer to get to know each other, I think we’ll have some pretty good chemistry coming into next year.”

Castle has been envisioning how he’ll fit in.

“I’ve been thinking about that a lot,” Castle said. “They’ve been playing really well. Hopefully, they don’t all go to the NBA on me. (I would) be another scorer and another facilitator that can guard full-court and just bring energy to the team and just be a leader.

“... They play fast-paced like I do at my high school. That’s how I like to play, so it fits my playing style. So, it’s going to be pretty cool.”

Castle and Ross appreciated Hurley and his staff showing up on Saturday.

Ross had an opportunity to talk to them briefly before the game.

“They’ve been supporting me since I committed and even before that,” Castle said. “Just to see them gave us a little boost.”

g.keefe@theday.com