UConn center Donovan Clingan comes to decision on NBA Draft

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, relays 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-foot-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-foot-2 frame and 7-foot-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.