UConn’s Donovan Clingan, a 7-foot-2 center, has made the exciting decision to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft. The sophomore played a crucial role in the Huskies’ consecutive championships and is projected to be a first-round pick in this summer’s draft. In fact, in The Athletic’s pre-NCAA Tournament mock draft, Clingan was predicted to be the No. 11 pick for the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, his performance in the Elite Eight against Illinois and the Final Four victory over Alabama has only solidified his draft stock.
Throughout the tournament, Clingan showcased his incredible skills on the court. In the game against Illinois, he recorded an impressive stat line of 22 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks. He followed it up with another stellar performance in the Final Four, contributing 18 points, five rebounds, and five blocks. These outstanding displays have undoubtedly caught the attention of NBA scouts and further boosted his draft prospects.
Clingan took to social media to express his gratitude for his time at UConn and his excitement for the next chapter of his basketball journey. He thanked his teammates for the unforgettable memories and emphasized that winning back-to-back national championships was truly legendary. With a mix of nostalgia and determination, he announced his decision to pursue his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA and officially enter his name in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Looking back at Clingan’s performance in the national championship game against Purdue, it is evident that he consistently made significant contributions to the team. Despite facing foul trouble, he managed to score 11 points, maintaining his streak of never scoring less than 11 points in all six of UConn’s tournament victories. This consistency was a testament to his skill and determination.
Over the course of the 2023-24 season, Clingan averaged 13.0 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. However, his season was interrupted by a foot injury in late December, which caused him to miss approximately one month and five games. Upon his return, the Huskies experienced a surge and closed out the season with an impressive 13 consecutive wins. Clingan’s presence on the court undoubtedly played a significant role in their success.
During the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Clingan’s performance reached new heights. He showcased his versatility and dominance with averages of 15.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game, surpassing his regular-season statistics. Notably, he achieved a career-best eight blocks in a second-round victory against Northwestern. His total of 19 blocks throughout the tournament was the highest since 2016, highlighting his impact on the defensive end.
As Clingan prepares for the NBA Draft, all eyes will be on him as he continues to impress scouts and solidify his position as a top prospect. The draft will take place on June 26-27 in New York City, and it will be an exciting moment for Clingan as he takes the next step in his basketball career.
In conclusion, Donovan Clingan’s decision to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft comes as no surprise given his outstanding performances throughout the season and the tournament. As a pivotal player for UConn, he played a crucial role in their back-to-back championships. With his size, skill, and versatility, Clingan has proven himself to be a standout talent worthy of a first-round pick in the upcoming draft. NBA teams will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on him as he embarks on his journey to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing in the NBA.