UConn center Donovan Clingan is zooming up the draft boards after his dominant performances in the NCAA Tournament. In the latest ESPN mock draft, Jeremy Woo and Jonathan Givony list Clingan as the No. 3 overall selection to Charlotte.
Clingan is averaging 15.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game in the tournament, including an overwhelming defensive effort in the Elite Eight against Illinois. Tennessee forward Dalton Knecht, who scored 37 points against Purdue on Sunday, is projected as the No. 8 pick.
We have more from around the basketball world:
- On a similar topic, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor agrees that Clingan has been the biggest riser on draft boards with his tournament performances. O’Connor projects Clingan as a high-level rim protector with potential All-Defensive team ability. He is also an excellent finisher at the rim, has good hands, and makes smart decisions in the post. In fact, UConn’s entire starting five could get drafted, according to O’Connor, who also sees Alabama’s Mark Sears as a Jalen Brunson clone.
- In the wake of the Jontay Porter investigation, among other gambling-related controversies in other sports, The Athletic’s Jim Trotter criticizes sports leagues for welcoming legalized gambling. Trotter argues that those leagues have sacrificed the ideal of protecting the integrity of their games in order to rake in more money.
- In case you missed it, Danuel House has changed agents after failing to hook on with another NBA team. He was traded from Philadelphia to Detroit before February’s deadline, then cut loose by the Pistons.
Thankyou Jim Trotter…
Absolutely the correct take…
I second this!
Gambling is a huge problem. However, it don’t matter, it is all about the money $$$$. Gambling on the apps is the absolute #1 thing that brings in “new” “fans”. Half the states are now legal on the apps. Gambling is going nowhere, and is now a significant source of revenue $$$$. You can bet “live” during the game on everything while the action is being played. Selling access to those stats is ALL money $$$$. ALL the apps got to pay. The apps are also a HUGE source of advertising revenue. Commercials and in the stadiums and arena’s. ESPN the main broadcaster, now has ESPN Bet.
Do you see the entourage of “homies” hanging out with these guys??? You think they ain’t on the apps??? You think the “homies” don’t get access to information like a game plan changing, and say playing a slower tempo, which equals fewer points, and the “homies” then all playing the “under” on all the point totals at great odds????
Gambling on the apps literally saved Major League Baseball. Gambling and the MLB is a match made in heaven. They play EVERY day. The play in the afternoon, evening AND late at night. You can “live” bet every single pitch if you want. You can analyze and research statistical information, and bet just like you are betting on the stock market. Oh yeah, and when the late games are done in the USA, you can start betting on the games in Japan and Korea just after midnight and keep going until the sun rises. Money $$$ is on the line. Gamblers can tell you who all the top teams and players are in Japan and Korea.
“Entourage of homies”
OK boomer lol
It’s my guess that the number of betting scandals and accusations we see in professional sports will grow geometrically for a while… Then, it will just be a part of everyday news. The exceptions will be the occasional blockbuster plan to fix or throw games; there’s always going to be someone who thinks they’re smart enough to beat the system. There’s a LOT of money on the line here, and that will always spawn plots and plans to tilt the odds.