UConn sophomore Donovan Clingan has declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, he announced Friday via social media.
Clingan, a 7-foot-2 center, played a pivotal role in the Huskies’ back-to-back championships and is a projected first-round pick in this summer’s draft. In AthleticismIn the NCAA pre-tournament mock draft, Clingan was taken No. 11 to the Oklahoma City Thunder — and that was before he had 22 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in the win over Illinois in the Elite Eight. He followed that performance with 18 points, five rebounds and five blocks in a Final Four victory over Alabama.
“Above all, the BACK TO BACK National Championships are legendary! Clingan said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The last two years have exceeded all my dreams and expectations. I will be forever grateful for the memories made with all of my brothers, and I will cherish every moment forever!
“With that being said, I will pursue my lifelong dream of playing in the NBA and enter my name into the 2024 NBA Draft!!”
💙 #32 Exit pic.twitter.com/tpD1stCWe5
– Donovan Clingan (@clingan_donovan) April 12, 2024
In UConn’s national championship victory over Purdue, Clingan — playing in foul trouble — finished with 11 points, as the Connecticut native never contributed fewer than 11 points in each of the United States’ six tournament victories. Huskies.
Clingan averaged 13.0 points and 7.4 rebounds per game during the 2023-24 season.
He injured his foot in late December, causing him to miss about a month and five games. Upon his return, the Huskies dominated, closing the season with 13 straight wins.
Throughout the 2024 tournament, Clingan improved, averaging 15.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game, surpassing his regular season stats. Notably, he recorded a career-best eight blocks in a second-round win over Northwestern. His 19 blocks in the NCAA tournament were the most since 2016.
The NBA Draft will take place on June 26 and 27 in New York.
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(Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)