Colin Reed Castleton Bio
Colin Reed Castleton is an American professional basketball player who currently serves as a center for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The 6-foot-10-inch (2.08 meter) big man plays on a two-way contract, splitting time between the NBA and the NBA G League’s Osceola Magic. Castleton began his professional career in 2023 after going undrafted in the NBA draft, yet he quickly made an impact by winning the inaugural NBA Cup championship with the Los Angeles Lakers that same year. His journey to the NBA featured a distinguished five-year college career at two major programs, where he established himself as one of the Southeastern Conference’s most dominant interior presences.
Early Life and Background
Colin Reed Castleton was born on May 25, 2000, in Pembroke Pines, Florida, a city located in the southern part of the Sunshine State. His childhood took him across multiple locations, including Tampa, Fort Benning (Georgia), Doral, and DeLand, Florida, experiences that shaped his adaptability and resilience. Castleton attended Father Lopez Catholic High School in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he began to showcase the basketball abilities that would carry him to the next level.
Throughout his family lineage, Castleton carries Panamanian heritage through his paternal and maternal great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents. His father, Eddie Castleton, was a baseball player who represented the Panamanian National Baseball Team in 1986, passing down a competitive athletic spirit to his son. During his senior year of high school, Castleton emerged as a premier prospect, averaging 24.5 points, 11.7 rebounds, and an impressive 5.6 blocks per game. His outstanding performance earned him finalist consideration for Florida’s Mr. Basketball Award and the Class 7A Player of the Year honors.
Rated as a four-star recruit, Castleton received significant attention from major college programs, ultimately fielding 32 scholarship offers before committing to the University of Michigan. Among his final candidates were prestigious programs such as Duke, Clemson, Georgia, Purdue, Florida, Florida State, and Xavier. He signed his National Letter of Intent on November 10, 2017, joining a five-man Michigan recruiting class that included Ignas Brazdeikis, David DeJulius, Brandon Johns, and Adrien Nunez.
Path to Professional Basketball
Castleton’s college journey began at the University of Michigan, where he played sparingly as a true freshman during the 2018-19 season, appearing in 19 games while averaging just 1.1 points and 1.1 rebounds per contest. His sophomore campaign in 2019-20 showed marginal improvement, with Castleton logging 3.1 points on impressive 54 percent shooting and 2.4 rebounds across 25 games, all coming off the bench. Despite showing promise, he sought a larger role and entered the transfer portal.
Following his departure from Michigan, Castleton transferred to the University of Florida, where he had actually received a scholarship offer during his high school recruitment. The Gators welcomed him with open arms, and he was granted an NCAA waiver that allowed him to play immediately rather than sit out a season under standard transfer rules. This decision marked the beginning of his transformation into one of the SEC’s premier players, setting the stage for his remarkable three-year run in Gainesville.
Colin Reed Castleton Career
College Career at Florida (2020-2023)
Upon arriving at Florida, Castleton immediately made his presence felt in the SEC. During his junior season (2020-21), he emerged as a force in the conference, averaging 12.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while blocking an extraordinary 2.3 shots per contest to lead the entire league. His remarkable consistency earned him second-team All-SEC recognition and made him one of only seven Gators in program history to earn SEC Player of the Week honors multiple times in a single season. Following the campaign, he declared for the 2021 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, ultimately deciding to withdraw and return for his senior season.
His return to Florida proved even more impactful. On November 14, 2021, Castleton delivered a statement performance against Florida State, recording 15 points, a career-high 16 rebounds, and six blocks in a commanding 71-55 victory. That effort secured his third career SEC Player of the Week award, further cementing his status among the conference’s elite. He closed the season as a second-team All-SEC selection for the second consecutive year, demonstrating the consistency that scouts valued heading into his final collegiate campaign.
The 2022-23 season represented the pinnacle of Castleton’s college career. On January 16, 2023, he became only the second Gator in history to earn SEC Player of the Week four times, joining legendary guard Vernon Maxwell on that exclusive list. His standout performance that week included a rare stat line of 16 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and two blocked shots against Missouri. However, tragedy struck on February 15, 2023, when Castleton broke his hand in a win against Ole Miss, ending his season prematurely. At the time of his injury, he was averaging 16.5 points (third in the SEC), 7.9 rebounds (sixth in the conference), and led the league with 3.0 blocks per game. The coaches rewarded his dominant season with first-team All-SEC honors, completing his transition from transfer to three-time conference honoree.
Los Angeles Lakers and South Bay Lakers (2023-2024)
Despite going undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, Castleton’s professional dreams became reality when he signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on July 3, 2023. This arrangement allowed him to develop with the NBA club while gaining valuable minutes with the South Bay Lakers, their G League affiliate. His rookie season began on a high note as he contributed to the Lakers’ run in the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, with the team capturing the championship that December.
Castleton’s tenure with the Lakers organization encountered challenges when he suffered a right wrist fracture in March 2024, an injury that sidelined him for several weeks and limited his developmental opportunities. Nevertheless, the organization saw enough potential to sign him to another two-way contract on July 6, 2024. However, the Lakers waived him on October 19, 2024, concluding his time with the purple and gold after one and a half seasons.
Memphis Hustle (2024-2025)
Following his release from Los Angeles, Castleton joined the Long Island Nets on October 27, 2024, and three days later signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, assignments that sent him to their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle. This move provided him with an opportunity to continue his professional development while seeking a more permanent NBA foothold. Unfortunately, his stint with the Grizzlies proved brief, as he was waived on January 10, 2025, after limited appearances with the organization.
Toronto Raptors (2025)
Castleton’s persistence paid off when he signed a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors on March 6, 2025, receiving an immediate assignment to Raptors 905, Toronto’s G League team. His performance during that brief window earned him a contract extension, as he re-signed with the Raptors on March 16. His contract expired on March 26, making him a free agent, though his time in Canada had showcased his abilities to multiple NBA decision-makers.
Philadelphia 76ers (2025)
Immediately after his Raptors contract expired, Castleton joined another NBA organization. On April 2, 2025, reports confirmed that the Philadelphia 76ers planned to sign him to a 10-day contract, with the signing becoming official the following day. He made his Sixers debut that same evening against the Milwaukee Bucks, adding another chapter to his journeyman professional career.
Return to Toronto and Second Stint with Raptors (2025)
Returning to the Raptors organization, Castleton signed a two-year standard contract on April 12, 2025. This marked a significant step in his career, as standard contracts provide greater stability than two-way or 10-day deals. Across 11 total appearances with Toronto, including four starts, he averaged 7.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, demonstrating his ability to contribute at the NBA level when given consistent opportunities.
Orlando Magic Era (2025-Present)
Castleton’s career trajectory continued upward when he signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Orlando Magic on August 22, 2025. The Magic recognized his potential and converted his contract into a two-way deal on October 17, 2025, pairing him with both the NBA club and their G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic. This arrangement positioned him as a developmental piece for Orlando’s frontcourt while allowing him to hone his skills in the G League. Unfortunately, Castleton encountered another setback when he sustained a thumb fracture on November 29, 2025, which sidelined him as he worked toward establishing himself with his new organization.
Playing Style and Strengths
Standing at 6 feet 10 inches with a 250-pound frame, Castleton brings prototypical size for an NBA center. His collegiate career demonstrated exceptional shot-blocking ability, leading the SEC in blocks during his final two seasons at Florida. His 3.0 blocks per game in his junior year showcased his timing, instincts, and willingness to protect the rim. Offensively, he developed a reliable low-post game and the ability to finish around the basket while showing playmaking vision that produced 6 assists in his career-best performance against Missouri. His rebounding instincts, particularly on the offensive glass, translated into second-chance opportunities throughout his career.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Among Castleton’s most significant accomplishments, winning the inaugural NBA Cup championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023 stands as a career highlight. In college, his four career SEC Player of the Week awards placed him second only to Vernon Maxwell in Florida history. His three consecutive All-SEC selections, including first-team honors in 2023, demonstrated the consistency that helped him transition to professional basketball despite going undrafted.
Colin Reed Castleton Career Highlights
Throughout his basketball journey, Castleton has accumulated notable achievements across both collegiate and professional levels. His three All-SEC recognitions and NBA championship experience highlight a career built on persistence and continuous improvement.
Professional Highlights
Castleton’s professional career, though still in its early stages, includes significant accomplishments. His NBA Cup championship victory with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023 provided championship experience at basketball’s highest level. Across his 11 games with the Toronto Raptors, he averaged 7.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, showing promise as a potential rotation player with continued development and good health.
College Career Highlights
At Florida, Castleton earned three consecutive All-SEC honors, including first-team recognition in 2023 following his injury-shortened campaign. His four career SEC Player of the Week awards demonstrated sustained excellence throughout his three seasons in Gainesville. He finished his college career as Florida’s leader in several statistical categories and left as one of only seven Gators to earn multiple SEC Player of the Week honors in a single season.
Colin Reed Castleton Family
Family Background and Heritage
Castleton comes from an athletic family with deep Panamanian roots. His heritage spans through his paternal and maternal great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents, creating a rich cultural background that connects him to his Panamanian identity. His father, Eddie Castleton, followed his own athletic path, representing the Panamanian National Baseball Team in international competition in 1986. This family history of competitive sports contributed to Colin’s development as an athlete and his understanding of the dedication required to succeed at elite levels.
Personal Life
While Castleton maintains a public profile through his basketball career, he keeps details of his personal life private. His Instagram account (@castleton_) serves as his primary social media connection with fans and the basketball community. Currently focused on establishing himself in the NBA, he navigates the demands of professional athletics while representing the Panamanian-American community with pride.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a transformative year in Castleton’s professional career, featuring three different NBA organizations. Beginning with the Memphis Hustle, he demonstrated his abilities before receiving an opportunity with the Toronto Raptors that ultimately led to a two-year standard contract. His performance with Toronto, averaging 7.2 points and 6.9 rebounds across 11 games, provided the most consistent NBA playing time of his young career and earned him a contract with the Orlando Magic.
Joining the Orlando Magic in October 2025 as part of a two-way contract arrangement, Castleton began working toward a more permanent role within the organization. The thumb injury he sustained on November 29 created an obstacle early in his Magic tenure, requiring him to focus on rehabilitation before returning to contribute to his new team. The Magic’s investment in him through a two-way contract reflects their belief in his potential as a developmental big man who can eventually contribute at the NBA level.