The latest on Top-50 junior Donovan Clingan
This past season, Donovan Clingan emerged as one of 2022’s top-rated big men. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the 7-foot-1 big out of Bristol Central in Connecticut landed scholarship offers from nearly ten programs. He started the contact period just having six scholarship offers but that number doubled once coaches began recruiting him and speaking with him.
There are many schools involved, the list goes on and on, but who’s currently recruiting the prized big?
Clingan says UConn, UMass, Michigan State, Georgetown, Providence, Iowa, Syracuse, Rutgers, Notre Dame, Boston College, Yale, Maryland, Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Iona, Louisville, UCF, Northwestern, Columbia, Maryland, Georgia, Ohio State, Holy Cross, Clemson, and Wake Forest are amongst those recruiting him.
He had a dominant season for Bristol Central, averaging 24 points, 17 rebounds, and over 6.2 blocks per contest. A dominant big man that can score from all levels on the floor and defends the ball with his length and long wingspan.
Stockrisers.com talked with Clingan who took the time to talk about his recruitment and his game.
What schools are heavily in the mix right now?
Clingan: “I mean, all the schools that have offered me stay in decent contact. I can’t really pick one school that calls more than the other, but, all coaches and everyone on the staff call me or text me on a daily basis.”
Any newer schools in the mix?
Clingan: “Not really, I haven’t played so colleges, coaches, they can’t really see me play.”
Discuss UConn and the chatter surrounding them?
Clingan: “A lot of people think I’m going to UConn and many think I’ve already made my choice in going there, I haven’t made my choice. Just because they’re in Connecticut doesn’t mean I like them more, I like them just as much as every other school.”
You haven’t been able to see campuses physically, how has that been?
Clingan: “I haven’t been on any campuses so I can’t say much about schools but I have done a few zooms. The college season also just started and I haven’t really gotten to watch any of the games yet.” *He noted he will begin watching the schools recruiting him*
Will you likely announce your commitment next summer?
Clingan: “Yes.”
Describe your game for those who haven’t watched you?
Clingan: “My game, I mean I can shoot the ball. Three-pointers, mid-range. I’m good in the post and making my post moves. I can rebound the ball pretty well. I think my passing is one of the best parts of my game and I can also run up and down the floor.”
If you have a season, what are your goals and expectations?
Clingan: “If we have a season I just want to you know, keep working and get better. We have a pretty good team this year and hopefully, we could win a state championship.”