Donovan Clingan ready for any 2024 NBA Draft possibility

On the eve of the NBA Draft, Donovan Clingan remains uncertain about his destination.

“It doesn’t seem real. It’s going to last 24 hours,” Clingan said Tuesday during a pre-news briefing in Midtown.

The former UConn star and Connecticut native was projected as a top-three pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and has been working out with the Atlanta Hawks, who hold the top pick in Wednesday’s first round and can combine their selection to star point guard Trae. Young.

“I think it would be a great connection, something that could work really well,” Clingan said of the possibility of playing with the three-time All-Star. “We would be able to space the field in the ball screen game defensively and offensively. I just feel like it would be a very special connection, for sure.

Although the Post’s recent mock draft saw the Hawks select French star Zaccharie Risacher first overall, Clingan was also mentioned as a contender for the first overall pick.

Risacher has a 73 percent chance at the top spot, according to ESPN’s draft predictor, with Alex Sarr the next candidate at 23 percent and Clingan at six percent.

Clingan also mentioned a Zoom meeting he had with the San Antonio Spurs – who have the No. 4 and No. 8 picks – who could combine the 7-foot-2 Clingan with Victor Wembanyama, the 7- 4 who was named Rookie. of the year after being picked first overall by the Spurs in 2023.

“That would be crazy.” » said Clingan. “He’s such a complete player. He can play from one to five. Two seven-foot players in a ball screen would be pretty scary, I feel like.

“On the defensive side, two high-level rim protectors and two people who can move, I feel like that’s something that can really work,” he added.

Clingan was a likely selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, but decided to return to UConn for his sophomore season.

The center played in 35 games last season for the Huskies, averaging 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.5 blocks in 22.5 minutes per game.

He recorded six double-doubles, including a pair in the NCAA Tournament, en route to UConn’s second straight championship – the first back-to-back men’s titles since Florida in 2006 and 2007.

Clingan credits much of his college success to UConn head coach Dan Hurley, who just turned down a $70 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers to win a third straight national championship with the Huskies.

“He knew what he saw in me. We built this great relationship and I will be forever grateful,” Cingan said.

Clingan emphasized that Hurley will eventually want to coach in the NBA, but a third championship with UConn is his priority right now.

Born and raised in Bristol, Connecticut, the center went to UConn after an impressive high school career at Bristol Central High School, where he scored a school record 2,268 career points, ranking seventh all-time in history of State.

“Connecticut has given me a lot my whole life. He gave me great opportunities. He gave me the chance to have the career I have had so far. They gave me a lot of support and a lot of love,” Clingan said. “I just want to be able to give back one day, so I’m going to keep working to reach the highest level and become the best player and the best person I can be,” he added.

Stephon Castle, Clingan’s teammate at UConn, is expected to join him in the top 10 on Wednesday.

“That’s my guy,” Clingan said. “I love Steph. Since day one, when I met him during his recruiting visit, we have had a great relationship ever since. He’s a special guy and a special player. He’s going to join an organization and have a huge impact.

With the Spurs in a position to draft both, could the two UConn stars have a chance to become teammates again?

Only Wednesday’s draft will tell us.