Victor Wembanyama makes feelings clear about "Area 51" monicker with Stephon Castle

Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle have become a formidable duo for the San Antonio Spurs this season. The duo’s innate physicality on the court and defensive brilliance have equipped them to create magic for the Spurs.

Wembanyama and Castle have since been dubbed the “Area 51” for their locked-down defense, which has propelled the Spurs to a resurgence this season. The number came from Castle’s jersey number of 5 and Wembanyama’s jersey number of 1, creating a witty nickname for two impressive defenders.

After the Spurs’ loss to the LA Lakers on Wednesday night, Wembanyama, last season’s Rookie of the Year winner, clarified his feelings about the nickname.

“I like it, of course,” Wembanyama said when asked about if he loves their duo’s nickname.

“I like it, really,” he reaffirmed.

Wembanyama, who is often referred to as the NBA’s “alien,” and Castle have been the main forces driving the Spurs’ defense this season. Using his seven-foot-three frame, Wembanyama has been leading the NBA in blocks by a wide margin with 3.6 per game, while also tallying 1.3 steals per game. Meanwhile, Castle averages 0.8 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game, but his perimeter defense has been vital in containing opposing teams’ best players.

Castle has been making his presence felt and has already made a case for this year’s Rookie of the Year award, averaging 11.5 points per game. The Spurs picked Castle as the number four overall pick in the 2024 draft.

With Wembanyama hitting All-Star level and Castle creating waves, the Spurs are currently a top-10 defense in the league with a 111.5 defensive rating. They are also 10-9 in the standings, a massive improvement from their 22-60 record last year.

Stephon Castle spoke about linking up with Wembanyama before his rookie season

Stephon Castle once just marveled about playing alongside Victor Wembanyama before his rookie year. In his introductory press conference, Castle said he could not wait to play with Wembanyama, who was regarded as one of the best NBA prospects ever.

“Just the thought of playing with (Wembanyama), of course it circulates in your mind, but it really doesn't feel real until it becomes reality…So I mean, just to know that that's going to be my future teammate now, I'm just really excited for what our future looks like," he said.

Castle has since cracked the starting lineup under head coach Gregg Popovich, making himself one of the key cornerstones for the team.

Aside from Wembanyama, he is also around NBA veterans such as Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes in the Spurs roster as he navigates through his first season in the professional league.