UConn Huskies Face Another Setback: How Will Donovan Clingan’s Absence Affect Defending NCAA Champions

The Big East Conference is full of surprises. After Providence stunned No. 6 Marquette on Tuesday night, the college basketball fans witnessed yet another upset. Apparently, the reigning national champions had to swallow a bitter pill of defeat as the mighty UConn surrendered to the Pirates 75-60 in their yard. The defending champions were left high and dry as Seton Hall handed the Huskies their second defeat of the season.

However, head coach Danny Hurley faces a much bigger issue as one of his star attractions has been forced out of action. Early in the second half, the sophomore center Donovan Clingan got himself injured. Following this, there were no signs of him throughout the night, as he didn’t return to the middle.

Injury scare for the defending champions

A sold-out Prudential Center witnessed a limping Donovan Clingan going towards the locker room. After scoring 14 points and seven rebounds, the 19-year-old sprained his right ankle and was carried out of the court. However, the nature and extent of his injury are not yet specified as no official statement has been released by the team management. Clingan made an explosive start to the Huskies’ second half, scoring the first three points. Unfortunately, with 16:33 to go, he took a fall onto the hardwood after he was called for a foul on Seton Hall’s Jaden Bediako. Immediately after he came tumbling down, he grabbed his right ankle and was seen in agonizing pain.

Surprisingly, midway through the half, he returned to the bench a while after but he did not take any further participation in the game. Moreover, after the contest was over, the crowd saw him sporting a walking boot on his right foot. UConn’s boss Danny Hurley spared some thoughts to the media in his post-match address. He said, “He made a play to try to get back in the game. But I don’t think that was what the trainer wanted. He’s a tough kid, wanted to get back in.” 

Evidently, Clingan’s injury serves as a huge blow for UConn’s NCAA title defense.

What does Donovan’s injury mean for UConn?

Donovan Clingan is a part of the Big 4 comprising Alex Karaban, Cam Spencer, and Tristen Newton. All these four players have been the catalysts behind UConn’s success this season. Moreover, they have been making an impact and have stood up and delivered whenever the situation demands. However, the unavailability of the dynamic No.32 will pose some headaches for head coach Dan Hurley.

This is not the first injury that the Huskies have to deal with this season. Last month, in their clash against Stonehill College freshman Stephon Castle slipped on the floor and succumbed to a knee injury. Consequently, he missed the upcoming games as he was ruled out for 2 to 4 weeks. Later, he had to undergo a minor procedure.

Now with Donovan’s presence also in doubt, it will be interesting to see who can head coach Dan Hurley rely on.

What are the other options available in Clingan’s absence?

UConn still has a talented bunch who can’t be overlooked. Freshman guard Solomon Ball is the first player that comes to mind. He has given a glimpse of his brilliance against North Carolina where he scored 13 points. In addition to this, the N0.1 guard Stephon Castle is also someone who has impressive balling skills. He has the best average in that Huskies locker room after the Big 4. Next in line is the talented forward Samson Johnson. He is also someone who has what it takes to perform at this level.

Read More- UConn’s Donovan Clingan Gives Latest Update on Returning From Injury: “I’m Back”

Dan Hurley will have his task cut out when he tries to find a suitable replacement for Donovan. Although he has some suitable options available on the roster, none of them can be compared to the towering athlete from Bristol. Come what may, the defending will soon have to figure it out before they host St.Johns on Sunday.

What are your thoughts on Donovan’s injury? Let us know in the comments section.

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