With the NBA draft just days away, prospect Donovan Clingan took time off to attend the New York Yankees vs Atlanta Braves game on Saturday. While at the stadium, the UConn star met Alabama Crimson Tide football offensive guard Tyler Booker.
Booker shared their picture to his Instagram story with the caption:
"Just 2 kids from Connecticut📍"
Clingan was born in Bristol while Booker is from New Haven. Clingan reposted it with the caption:
"CT! My Guy!! @tbook._"
He also reposted a photo with Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge.
Clingan doesn't shy away from talking about his hometown. In a video with Chipotle, he beamed with pride as he gushed about the significance of representing Connecticut on his jersey.
“To be from Connecticut and wear Connecticut across my chest every day, to insert myself into the history at a place where it was hard to make history, is something that’s even more important to me,” Clingan said.
“Not too many teams and not too many people out there that can say they won back-to-back titles playing for their home state, where they grew up. It’s just really special to me.”
In the same video, he also introduced the "Donovan Clingan Bowl" inspired by his favorite order: white rice, fresh tomato salsa, lettuce, chicken, sour cream and cheese.
Dan Hurley heaps praise on Donovan Clingan
Clingan played a crucial role in the Huskies' back-to-back championship wins. Leading the team from the front, the 7-foot-2 center was UConn's primary rim protector and playmaker.
In an interview with The Ryen Russillo podcast, coach Dan Hurley shared how the Huskies felt about Clingan leaving for the NBA:
“They're sad when he leaves," said Hurley. "They're sad when he leaves the facility and in the visits over, in the workouts over. Just because from a personality standpoint, and from the human element, he's just so impressive.
“And he's just so filled with life and he's got such an incredible personality. So before you even get to the basketball background, you just bring in somebody into your organization that just kind of blows you away with the charisma and the pop that he brings with him.”
Clingan is a projected top five pick in most drafts, with specific interest from the Atlanta Hawks who own the No. 1 pick.
What do you think are Clingan's prospects in the NBA? Let us know in the comment section below.
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