Donovan Clingan, a basketball center for the Portland Trail Blazers, was the overall 7th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He signed in July and chose jersey number 23. Earlier, the 7-foot-3-inch athlete played for the UConn Huskies from 2022-24. He opted for the University of Connecticut over offers from Michigan State, Ohio State, Syracuse, Rutgers, Providence and Georgetown. He won the 2023 and 2024 NCAA Tournaments and was named for the Big East All-Freshman team in 2023 and the AP Honorable Mention All-American in 2024. He played in 74 games, starting 33, averaging 9.8 points, 1.0 assists and 6.4 rebounds.
According to Clingan's 2024 NBA Draft profile, he is among the top big man prospects in the draft because of his size and defensive acumen. Clingan, especially around the rim, has potential as a defender due to his 7-foot-7 wingspan and athleticism. Clingan has limited offensive ability, but he has a good touch for his size and is a great finisher inside. Clingan's future as a low-maintenance, defense-first, lob-finisher at the professional level should be bright.
What is Donovan Clingan’s nationality?
Donovan Clingan is of American nationality. He was born and raised in Bristol, Connecticut, in the United States. He was born on February 23, 2004, to Bill and the late Stacey Clingan. Donovan also has a younger sister, Olivia. His mother, Stacey, broke school records for career blocks and rebounds while playing basketball at Bristol Central. She then went on to play college basketball at the University of Maine. In March 2018, Stacey Clingan passed away from breast cancer. Clingan wore his mother's number, 32, both at UConn and at Bristol.
Donovan Clingan’s Hometown
Donovan Clingan hails from Bristol, Connecticut, in the U.S. Growing up in Bristol, Connecticut, Clingan played basketball for Bristol Central High School, where he helped the boys' team win a Division II state championship in the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference in 2022. In Dorchester, Massachusetts, he also played basketball for Joe Chatman's Team Spartans in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).
Clingan won the Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year award as a junior after averaging 27.3 points, 17.2 rebounds, and 5.8 blocks per game. During his senior year, he averaged 30.3 points, 18.4 rebounds, and 6.2 blocks per game, earning him a second consecutive Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year award. Clingan is close friends with Victor Rosa, the football running back for the UConn Huskies, with whom he grew up. Rosa was also Clingan's point guard in high school.
Donovan Clingan’s Birthplace
Donovan Clingan was born in Bristol, Connecticut, in the U.S. on February 23, 2004.
FAQs on Donovan Clingan
A. Donovan Clingan was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers as the overall seventh pick.
A. Donovan Clingan signed a four-year rookie contract with the Portland Trail Blazers worth $31 million in July 2024.
A. Donovan Clingan stands 7 feet 3 inches or 221 cm tall.
A. Donovan Clingan's mother, Stacey Porrini Clingan, was a college basketball player for the University of Marine. She passed away in March 2018 due to breast cancer.
A. Donovan Clingan was born and raised in Bristol, Connecticut, in the United States.
