Even Without Donovan Clingan, Are UConn Huskies Equipped Enough to Continue Good Form?

With a decisive 85-56 victory over DePaul on Tuesday night, UConn emerged victorious from its conference slump. In this one as well, the reigning national champions got off to a poor start thanks to four early turnovers. It wasn’t until Castle made a layup, almost four minutes into the game, that they were ahead. Halfway through the first quarter, Jaden Henley’s basket put the Blue Demon ahead 11–10. But after that, UConn embarked on a 16-2 run, capped by a highlight-reel slam by Castle after Diarra sent up a long lob ball. The team was without 7-foot-2 center Donovan Clingan in its second game as he recovers from a right foot tendon injury.

Hurley stated that although Clingan is no longer wearing a walking boot, he would likely be out for an additional two to three weeks. As a sophomore, he averages 13.9 points and 6.3 rebounds.

Donavan Clingan’s injury

UConn’s talented sophomore Donovan Clingan has suffered a tendon injury in his right foot, which will keep him out of action for three to four weeks. During the team’s recent game, Clingan left the court early in the second half after sustaining the injury and did not return. Initially, UConn coach Dan Hurley stated that Clingan had a sprained ankle, but an MRI will be conducted to ascertain the precise extent of the injury.

This is the second serious foot injury for Clingan in just two months. He had previously suffered a foot strain during a September session and missed most of the preseason. The 7-foot-2 center from Bristol, Connecticut, is ranked eighth overall in ESPN’s NBA draft rankings and has been providing valuable support to star big man Adama Sanogo in his second season.

Despite his limited playing time of just 14 minutes against Seton Hall, Clingan managed to score 14 points and grab seven rebounds, setting a season-high for himself. On average, Clingan contributes 2.0 blocks, 6.3 rebounds, and 13.9 points per game. In the recent victory over Gonzaga, he also recorded 21 points and eight rebounds.

Clingan was expected to have a breakout year and his absence will be a significant blow for UConn’s hopes of making an impact this season. With Clingan out, UConn coach Hurley will have to rely on redshirt sophomore Samson Johnson, who has shown promise as a backup. In the November victory against Texas, Johnson stepped up and scored 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds, despite Clingan being limited to just 13 minutes of play due to foul trouble.

Read More: Losing Donovan Clingan to Injury, Can a Shorthanded UConn Recover From Their Problems?

The proximity of Donavan Clingan’s presence

Donovan Clingan, the center for the Huskies, had high expectations for the new season, despite not starting a single game in the previous season. Although he only played for 13 minutes per game, his per-minute productivity, leading box plus/minus, and impressive field goal percentage were everything he was expected to be. Clingan’s coach, Dan Hurley, believes that he needs to focus on losing weight over the holidays and the next few weeks to avoid any problems with his feet moving forward.

During their last game, the Huskies fought hard in the paint on both offense and defense in the absence of their star center. Clingan effectively utilizes his height to offer rim protection and score efficiently inside. His distinctive physical characteristics and developing skills make him a crucial player who contributes to Conn’s victories on offense and defense.

Clingan’s proficiency as a player is evident through his remarkable timing and placement on the court, highlighting his skillfulness. In addition, the dynamic big man never seems to display symptoms of exhaustion, even in games where he plays longer minutes. His ability to consistently block shots—he blocks two per game — is what makes a difference on defense.

This season, Clingan has shot an impressive 63.2% from the field and has averaged an outstanding 13.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He is still among the nation’s best offensive rebounders, scoring 13.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per contest. If Clingan is able to recuperate in the allocated time, he should be able to play again either around the Huskies’ home game against Creighton on January 17 or their away game against Villanova at the Wells Fargo Center on January 20.

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