The University of Connecticut Huskies scripted history by winning two back-to-back NCAA men’s basketball championships. The team showed a collective effort throughout the 2023-24 NCAA season as they defeated the Purdue Boilermakers in the Championship Finale. One player from the Huskies who got a lot of limelight was their center, Donovan Clingan. The next objective in his sight is getting drafted into the NBA and he chose to declare for it and let go of the college eligibility.

The supporters are excited to see their favorite star climb the ladder of success and be drafted in the cash-rich league. But as is the case when players transition from college basketball to the NBA, they find it difficult to adjust initially. Will Clingan go through the same issues? Or will he be able to transition smoothly? A closer look at his profile will give a detailed view.

Donovan Clingan: Stats

Clingan made his freshman debut as a backup center behind the exceptional Adama Sanogo. In his first year, Clingan played 39 games basketing 6.9 points per match with 5.6 rebounds per contest. His best performance of 21 points came against the Long Island University Sharks. With this game, he demonstrated that he had a knack for scoring high when given a chance and could decimate the opposition with his tactics.

He then had another 20-point performance against the Marquette Golden Eagles. All this established him as a reliable center. After Sanogo signed a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls, it was time for Clingan to step up. Though Clingan suffered a foot injury, he proved his balling prowess in this season.

Averaging 13 points per game with 7.4 rebounds per match, Clingan became a mainstay for the Huskies. His best offering came during a match against the New Hampshire Wildcats when he throttled 29 points. The other noteworthy performances were against the Marquette Golden Eagles and the Illinois Fighting Illini when he dropped 22 points. 

While many athletes try to know the secret behind his game, there is no denying that Clingan has made complete use of height which has helped him souse big numbers. But as is the case, every strength comes with its own disadvantage that is visible at times.

Donovan Clingan’s height and disadvantage

Clingan is 7 feet 2 inches in height and weighs 128 kg. His height has been a major factor behind his exemplary performances. Clingan plays the role of an orthodox center. He used his height mostly in rebounding and scoring free throws.

Due to his height, he is almost impossible to stop at times. However, what suffers in a tall order is his three-pointer shooting skills. During his freshman year, the 20-year-old had nil three-pointers. This will certainly cause him difficulties when he transitions to the NBA since the game has changed a lot.

He would have fit in well if he was to play orthodox basketball, but the current requirement demands one to be a versatile player. He can be screened easily when surrounded by 2-3 players and forced to make long-distance shots. In such a situation if Clingan does not realize his shooting skills, then he will have to make accurate passes.

Another disadvantage that comes with this frame is a lack of swiftness. Height changes our center of gravity. Tall players often have a center of gravities placed at a considerable height which makes it difficult to run fast and the case is no different with Clingan.

Nonetheless, he can cover them up with his reach. If he is able to smash good dunks and alley-oops, he will be beneficial to any team that drafts him. He demonstrated his improved skills during combine testing.

Donovan Clingan: Reach and Combine Testing

Clingan has a wingspan of 7 feet 7 inches and a standing reach of 9 feet 7 inches. This makes him one of the toughest defenders to battle against. Plus, it also gives him better offensive skills than many of his peers. However, as mentioned above, the shooting skills were a surprise to watch.

Clingan, as per Houston Chronicle, thrashed 19 of the 30 attempted three-pointers apart from sousing 14 out of 25 on spot-up shooting. However, in the star drill in which the players had to move to different spots, saw Clingan drop only 10 out of 25 shots.

Furthermore, he had a vertical jump of 29 inches. All these stats make him a decent player for the NBA 2024 draft. And it remains to be seen which team will pick him. Though, the mock draft gives a basic idea of what’s next.

Will Donovan Clingan transition smoothly?

In the mock draft, Clingan occupies the sixth spot and most probably will be picked by the Charlotte Hornets. He might also be traded to other teams once he is drafted. There is an increased interest in Clingan after he showed his improved shooting skills.

Clingan along with Mark Williams could form one of the best defenders in rim protection. Furthermore, since Williams has played only 62 games in two years, Clingan comes as a good opportunity for the Hornets.

With Clingan expanding his repertoire of skills, it remains to be seen which team he will be drafted in. But he has started taking baby steps towards becoming a valuable NBA player. The next thing on his checklist should be his agility. Once he gets better at that then there is no one stopping Clingan in his pursuit of excellence, and he will be able to transition smoothly.

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