Sophomore center Donovan Clingan, a two-time national champion at UConn and one of the top prospects in this year’s draft class, has confirmed that he’s entering his name in the 2024 draft pool, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
As Wojnarowski writes, Clingan is currently the top college prospect on ESPN’s big board, ranking third overall, behind only international standouts Zaccharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr. The 7’2″ center is expected to receive consideration for the No. 1 overall pick, Woj adds.
After coming off the bench as a freshman, Clingan emerged as a full-time starter for the Huskies in 2023/24, averaging 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and an impressive 2.5 blocks in just 22.5 minutes per game.
In addition to using his 7’2″ frame and 7’7″ wingspan to serve as a deterrent around the rim on defense, Clingan exhibited some promising offensive tools, per ESPN draft expect Jonathan Givony. Givony describes the 20-year-old as an effective screen setter who finishes well with both hands and “displays polished footwork” near the basket.
Clingan joins our growing list of players who have declared for the 2024 draft as early entrants.
Might as well – no reason not to ca$h in
Guessing this is a weak draft.
At one point during the year I thought the NYK might have a shot at drafting Clingan. He’s risen up the ratings and our picks have dropped a bunch since. Top overall seems like a stretch, but his floor is quite high relative to the other top guys in this draft. Almost zero bust potential. At worst, he’s a 25 mpg C who can defend, rebound and run the floor.
he is from Bristol, CT, so ESPN is gonna hype him more. I think he will be top 10 because of the height and also picked before Edey. I’m still reeling about how many 8 secs in the paint Edey was allowed. Castle if he declares, will be interesting, I could see top 7 depending upon how the order shakes out.
I really dig the Memphis fit , him and Jj would be awesome moving forward
Agreed. Perfect fit.
I think Memphis, Charlotte or Houston are likely landing spots outside of top 4 picks. He could go #4 as above already have a pg and would then probably pass on Sheppard.
Only Detriot would be silly enough to take this guy no.1
This Clingan’s really on a star track…
Lottery selection? Make it so!
Guess you nerds are all star wars fans…
I wish he stayed another year and worked on his midrange. he also needs to gain another 15-20 lbs of strength.
Hoping OKC can get him. Need a bigger body to help with rebounds and he has solid mobility.
Top 5 pick, seems high to me. Yeah at one time I thought Knicks could get him too. We could move Mitch then.