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It is officially NBA draft day, with the first 30 picks coming off the board starting at 8:00 PM ET on Wednesday, June 26. Among the first college basketball players projected to come off the board – and perhaps the first player overall – is UConn center Donovan Clingan.
Clingan was a highly efficient backup center for the Huskies in 2022-23, when they won the national championship on the back of Adama Sanogo and Jordan Hawkins. Most projected Clingan would step into a starting role as a sophomore and find immediate success – and that is exactly what the 7-footer from Bristol did.
Clingan averaged 13 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 1.5 assists – excellent numbers made even more impressive by his 22.5 minutes per game. Clingan was extremely efficient around the rim, shooting 65% on two pointers, and while the free throw shooting needs work the overall productivity – and being part of two national championship squads – drove his draft stock sky high.
The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly considering Clingan at No. 1 overall, especially since French prospect Alex Sarr did not work out with the franchise, and it seems like a lock Clingan will go in the top 10 on Wednesday, if not top five.
Below is a look at Clingan’s draft profile, including his measurements at the combine, strengths and weaknesses as a player, and current projected draft range and team fits in the NBA:
Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
From: Bristol, CT
Played: UConn (2022-2024)
2023-24 Stats: 13 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, 1.5 assists, 65% on twos
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Height: 7’1.75
Weight: 282 pounds
Wingspan: 7’6.75
Standing Reach: 9’7
Max Vertical Leap: 29 inches
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
- Uses his size, length, and strength to impact shots at an extremely high level. Is ready to be an impact rim protector and shot blocker in the NBA from day one
- Efficient scorer around the rim, can score with both hands and has a variety of post moves that allow him to score multiple ways
- Moves well for a big man his size, can get out in transition and is a capable passer who makes the right reads and consistently delivers winning plays
- High floor as a rim protector and rebounder, and high ceiling as an elite defensive center
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
- Limited offensive game outside of the paint. Shot under 60% from the free throw line and does not have a proven outside shot. Passing is decent, but without the threat of a jump shot his offensive game is limited
- Concerns about his durability, stamina, and injury history after missing games with a foot injury and rarely playing more than 30 minutes per night
- Doesn’t have a ton of lateral quickness or mobility, will struggle against quicker guards in pick and roll situations. Not necessarily limited to drop coverage, but not a premium switchable big either
- Overall athletic ability is somewhat limited, and while his size is a big advantage it gets neutralized against more athletic bigs.
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Draft Range: 1-7
CSW Mock: No. 7 to Portland Trail Blazers
Team Fits: Most teams could use more rim protection, so he’s a pretty easy fit just about anywhere. Atlanta, Washington, Memphis, Portland, and Charlotte make sense at the top of the draft.
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Courtesy : https://collegesportswire.usatoday.com/lists/nba-draft-donovan-clingan-profile-uconn-basketball/