Donovan Clingan leaves UConn for the NBA after two seasons

STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Donovan Clingan is leaving UConn after two seasons and entering the NBA draft, the 7-foot-2 center announced Friday, four days after helping the Huskies win a second straight national title.

Clingan, a sophomore from Bristol, Connecticut, posted his decision on social media, saying playing in the NBA was a “lifelong dream.”

“It will be very difficult for me to leave my brothers after all the success of the last two years,” Clingan wrote. “But the time has come NOW!!”

His decision is not a surprise. Huskies coach Dan Hurley has always referred to Clingan and freshman guard Stephon Castle as NBA lottery picks. Castle has not yet announced his future plans.

Clingan was an important recruit for Hurley, a five-star prospect who opted to stay in-state after leading Bristol Central High School to a state championship.

He spent his freshman season playing a backup role to Adama Sanogo, the 2023 Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player, averaging 6.9 points and 5.6 rebounds.

Clingan took on a starting role this season, but struggled early with foot injuries that cost him five games.

He finished the season averaging 13 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. And he upped his game in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 15.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.2 blocks during the Huskies’ six-game run that ended with the Huskies’ sixth NCAA title. program.

He scored 11 points in the championship game while tasked with guarding Purdue’s 7-4 star Zach Edey man-to-man. Edey finished with 37 points and 10 rebounds, but Clingan’s defense allowed his teammates to stay with Purdue’s 3-point shooters, limiting the Boilermakers to 1-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc in the 75-60 victory for the Huskies.