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: