The Portland Trail Blazers have selected Donovan Clingan of the University of Connecticut with the 7th pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Clingan is a 7’2, 280 lb center, 20 years old. He helped the Connecticut Huskies to a NCAA Championship in 2023 before moving to a starting role this season. He averaged 13.0 points and 7.4 rebounds in 35 appearances during his 2023-24 campaign.
Clingan is bulky and strong, with broad shoulders and rebounding potential. He’s known as a strong interior defender. He is a throwback center, playing with his back to the basket on offense, relying on high-percentage attempts in the lane.