UConn center Donovan Clingan candidate to go No. 1 overall in NBA draft

The 2024 NBA draft is a little under two months away, and there is still not any sort of consensus on who the number one overall pick will be. This year’s class does not boast a Victor Wembanyama type generational prospect, or even a clear cut top option like Paolo Banchero or Cade Cunningham.

Most believe the top player picked will be someone not in the college basketball ranks, either Zaccharie Risacher or Alex Starr, but ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported that UConn center Donovan Clingan has “rocketed” up NBA draft boards and – depending how the lottery shakes out – he could be a candidate to go number one overall.

Clingan’s 7’2 frame, facilitation skills, touch around the rim, and dynamic shot blocking and overall defensive instincts make him a high floor center prospect, and his ceiling is a potential anchor on the block and Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

Clingan averaged 13 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game as a sophomore while shooting 65% on two pointers. He scored 22 points with 10 rebounds and five blocks in a crucial Elite 8 win over Illinois, where his defense on the block effectively neutralized the No. 2 ranked offense in the country.

While his numbers against Purdue in the national championship – 11 points and five boards – may not jump off the page, he was a force on both ends of the floor and matched up well with two time National Player of the Year Zach Edey.

The NBA draft lottery will take place on Sunday, May 12 at 3:00 PM ET. Depending which team gets the top pick will determine if Clingan could become the first UConn player to be selected first overall.