The reason the UConn’s Donovan Clingan could go No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft

Donovan Clingan was fueled by those who doubted his abilities and believed that he was not a good candidate for preparatory school. ,…

By David Borges

Jun 26, 2024 09:00 AM

NEW YORK — Donovan Clingan was in middle school when he began fantasizing about being selected for the NBA Draft.

“You are thinking about this,” he recalled. “You go to the draft, you see each of the NBA players, and all the other things.”

While he was at Bristol Central High, a huge figure in the ranks of CIAC people the dream of becoming a professional grew stronger. However, there were some who said who said that a 7-foot-2 center could be a major threat to Connecticut public high school students however, why doesn’t be able to go to a prep school in order to play against elite competition? He’s not going to be able to play in to play in the Big East, right?

“He recognized it in me since day One,” Clingan said on Tuesday during the media previewin Manhattan. “Even although I was not playing against the best players and I was not playing against top players, coach Hurley was aware of what wanted to see in me. He was able to see what he wanted in me. He developed the perfect relationship, and I’ll forever be thankful to him.”

In the evening of Wednesday, his faith in Clingan will come to fruition in the 2024 NBA Draft. Clingan can be seen in the room along with Hurley likely sitting at his table, along together with family and acquaintances, being one of likely lottery draft picks. He’ll likely see his name as the third on Wednesday, possibly fourth or fifth.

Maybe first. Clingan could be an original UConn Basketball men’splayer and one of the few Connecticut native to be selected at No. one throughout the selection process.

It’s amazing to think that just 2 years ago, the man patrolled the corridors at Bristol Central.

“It’s insane,” Clingan acknowledged. “I have put lots of effort into. Many people were skeptical of me, and said that I couldn’t do things since I didn’t have a college degree or go to another high school, and I wasn’t accomplishing anything at UConn. This is what drives me to become more effective and a better person. continue to learn, keep taking classes. I’m never going to stop working, I’ll always improve as an athlete.”

The chip on Clingan’s shoulder definitely something Hurley has at the very least contributed to building and carries over to other aspects in his personal life. The current NBA Draft class is said to be among the weakest ever according to a report that was sent that to Hurley on Tuesday. Clingan would not have any of this.

“I believe it’s an excellent school,” he said, with a smile. “It’s top-quality players who will have amazing careers. Two national champions have the chance of becoming the lottery’s pick …”

Oh yes, Stephon Castle Clingan’s former teammate during an entire championship campaign at UConn and a UConn teammate, could be the top pick. This would mark the second time within Husky past history when the team was able to boast two top-five selections from that same draft.

For Clingan who’s recent accomplishments includes two national championships over two years and three college championships as a high school player, and an picture is featured on many more I-84 billboards than a personal injury lawyer, and more NIL cash than you can imagine, and even the his very private “Donovan Clingan Bowl” at Chipotle.

His fate will be determined on Wednesday evening at the Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, not long after the draft’s 8 p.m. beginning time.

“It’s crazy. You’re only 24 days away from knowing exactly where you’ll be to spend the rest in your lifetime. You don’t know. I’m a bit worried, but I’m really ready I’m confident that I’m in the right place and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.”

He’s willing to travel anywhere and even further away from the Connecticut roots.

“I’m looking forward to a change of scenery,” Donovan Clingan added. “Start the next chapter.”