Clingan question
- Thread starter GlastonTim
- Start date
- Status
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2022
- Messages
- 590
- Reaction Score
- 2,169
You’re right. It is impossible to defend if you’re 7’2”
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2011
- Messages
- 18,690
- Reaction Score
- 33,557
The sky hook required incredible touch and we haven’t seen it at that level and distance since then. Clingan could develop it but offenses want the advantage of the 3 or the % of the 1 foot shot. Only 1 Kareem.
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 1,284
- Reaction Score
- 5,044
Healthy or not, he seems to be rushing his shots.
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2011
- Messages
- 29,375
- Reaction Score
- 82,835
He used it versus New Hamphire.
.-.
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 2,908
- Reaction Score
- 8,285
Logically, we know the coaches are working with DC on his post moves. But the truth is that there are probably 4 or 5 guys in college (and maybe the NBA) who are actually skilled in the low post. Everything is pick and roll now. the big will get the ball at the top of the key to draw the other center away from the basket, and then either back cut, or drive the other team to death. We seem to be pretty good at it, and are improving by the day.
Sanogo had a VERY unique skillset (similar to what Sengun does in the pro's), Announcers couldn't stop talking about his post moves every game, and that's because he was pretty much the only player in the country playing that way. We shouldn't expect to see that too often. DC doesn't do what Sanogo did, he does it his way. His gravity, whether in the post, or at the top of the key, opens up the offense for everyone else. He is a far better passer than AS, and better in the short roll, and the full roll to the basket.
His value on defense is what differentiates him from most other bigs. He may not average 6 blocks per game, but we all know how many times he alters shots actually attempted, or the other teams player will just forego a layup for a lower percentage shot just because DC was in the general area.
Post play, more than a few times per game, is not going to happen. And i don't just mean for DC, i mean for everyone. Watch any game and count how many times a player backs someone down like Sanogo did. The game isn't played that way anymore. Even last season, our very own team became much better when the ball went through Hawk and AJ more than Sanogo about midway through the conference season.
DC doesn't need to average huge counting stats to be taken in the top 10. If that mattered, Sanogo would have been drafted in the lottery. His potential as a defensive anchor (2-3 years after being drafted) will get him there. Almost everyone drafted between 4-15 is drafted on what they can be in a few years.
And next season, when Samson is (likely) our starting center, we will all be having a different conversation about why our offense is more ball-screen than it's ever been, and that will be because that's what Samson does best. He has absolutely no post game. He will draw a big defender away from the basket, and we will have the 1-4 taking floaters, or kicking the ball out to shooters while SJ rolls hard to the basket.
Wow, this turned out to be a long post. Apparently i'm very passionate about this subject.
Sanogo had a VERY unique skillset (similar to what Sengun does in the pro's), Announcers couldn't stop talking about his post moves every game, and that's because he was pretty much the only player in the country playing that way. We shouldn't expect to see that too often. DC doesn't do what Sanogo did, he does it his way. His gravity, whether in the post, or at the top of the key, opens up the offense for everyone else. He is a far better passer than AS, and better in the short roll, and the full roll to the basket.
His value on defense is what differentiates him from most other bigs. He may not average 6 blocks per game, but we all know how many times he alters shots actually attempted, or the other teams player will just forego a layup for a lower percentage shot just because DC was in the general area.
Post play, more than a few times per game, is not going to happen. And i don't just mean for DC, i mean for everyone. Watch any game and count how many times a player backs someone down like Sanogo did. The game isn't played that way anymore. Even last season, our very own team became much better when the ball went through Hawk and AJ more than Sanogo about midway through the conference season.
DC doesn't need to average huge counting stats to be taken in the top 10. If that mattered, Sanogo would have been drafted in the lottery. His potential as a defensive anchor (2-3 years after being drafted) will get him there. Almost everyone drafted between 4-15 is drafted on what they can be in a few years.
And next season, when Samson is (likely) our starting center, we will all be having a different conversation about why our offense is more ball-screen than it's ever been, and that will be because that's what Samson does best. He has absolutely no post game. He will draw a big defender away from the basket, and we will have the 1-4 taking floaters, or kicking the ball out to shooters while SJ rolls hard to the basket.
Wow, this turned out to be a long post. Apparently i'm very passionate about this subject.
I feel like he is always rushing himself. Needs to slow down and keep the ball high. He needs to watch edney. Edney has a fraction of Donovans athleticism but very efficient. Donovan needs better shot put type shot, hook etc instead of trying to bank everything. He also needs to be more aggressive dunking on non alley oops.
ctchamps
We are UConn!! 6 >>>1!
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2011
- Messages
- 17,784
- Reaction Score
- 45,781
Enjoyed reading it.
Watched Wisconsin vs. Arizona and they almost play exclusively having their bigs dribble and back down opposing defenders. Ugly bb.
Arizona has players that can easily neutralize that style. Marquette otoh doesn’t hence the reason they lost to Wisconsin. Bad matchup for them.
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2018
- Messages
- 3,990
- Reaction Score
- 13,734
How long will people be able to say this season that his play is because he's not healthy? What's the health issue exactly? His pre-season foot injury was supposed to have been minor and did he have a cold or something? I don't think Clingan would use health as an excuse, but out fan base does. I see it more as stepping out of Sanogo's shadow has been tougher than expected.
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2019
- Messages
- 1,234
- Reaction Score
- 4,154
Clingan definitely has the skillset to be one of the best- Currently I think he is stronger on the defensive end than the offensive end. UConn has so much talent on the outside that you don't need to run a ton of plays through the 5.
A lot of comparison to Edey. Totally different players and offensive schemes. Edey can take over a game and foul out the competition. Painter runs everything through him . Clingan is a huge piece for UConn but he doesn't need to dominate every game like Edey for UConn to be successful.
A lot of comparison to Edey. Totally different players and offensive schemes. Edey can take over a game and foul out the competition. Painter runs everything through him . Clingan is a huge piece for UConn but he doesn't need to dominate every game like Edey for UConn to be successful.
ctchamps
We are UConn!! 6 >>>1!
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2011
- Messages
- 17,784
- Reaction Score
- 45,781
It’s possible a mental component factors in. He’s similar to Hawkins. He gets down on himself after he makes a bad play. It’s not a stretch given his role is more important than last season the pressure to be perfect could be impacting his play.
I believe his free throw shooting is impacted because he can’t block out his fear of missing.
But it doesn’t have to be an all or nothing problem. Foot injuries, even minor ones, linger.
If he puts pressure on the foot in just the wrong way it could send a sharp pain impacting a play. Furthermore if he becomes conscious of it and fears he is doing damage that will set him back he could begin to play tentatively.
Donovan appears to be someone who gains weight quickly if he is unable to do lots of exercise. The added weight impacts his agility, puts more pressure on his feet and the negative cycle continues.
Given the plausibility of this it is not out of the realm of possibility the primary factor for his play is physical in nature.
.-.
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2011
- Messages
- 56,138
- Reaction Score
- 213,097
Often when Sanogo received the ball, it seemed like it took forever to set himself up the way he wanted before he scored. DC doesn't have the strength or footwork to do that(yet). Would love to see if he could receive a pass, face basket, ball held high and shoot a jumper from 8-12'.
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 2,908
- Reaction Score
- 8,285
OK, let's say you're correct and DC is a lousy basketball player.
What would you like done from here ?
Should all of the rest of us adjust our expectations, or should you ?
Should Dan Hurley make a massive lineup change despite us being the 5th best team in the country ? We're 9-1 and probably the best team in the country despite a pretty fluky away loss. Everyone else on the team is pretty much playing at or above expectations, so if DC needs time to get right, why not just wait it out ? After Gonzaga we don't have a really tough test until mid Jan.
Should we shoot Donovan out of a cannon into the sun ?
Have you honestly never had an injury that was fully healed, but still hurt for longer (i sure have) ? There can be no structural damage, and no risk of further injury, and still it can cause serious pain for a while.
HuskyHawk
The triumphant return of the Blues Brothers.
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2011
- Messages
- 35,521
- Reaction Score
- 94,612
Because he can’t jump. He threw one short baby hook a couple of games ago. I was glad to see it. I said it last year and it’s true still, he’s not a very polished offensive player. Not much touch around the rim and no reliable midrange shot. I never thought he’d be a lottery pick for that reason. His rim protection and rebounding are terrific. He has gotten better at not chasing slashers to the rim and fouling them. Good passer.
He needs an offensive game from 6-12 feet. A nice facing bank shot would work given his size. I assume he’s working hard on everything and will get better.
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2011
- Messages
- 29,375
- Reaction Score
- 82,835
He clearly is slower down the court, and he isn't moving as well. It's his foot.
He's a seven foot, two inch tall man that weighs 280 pounds. If his foot is not 100% it's going to affect him. It not an excuse. It's a fact. He is still blocking and changing shots but it has hurt his finishing.
Waquoit
Mr. Positive
- Joined
- Aug 24, 2011
- Messages
- 36,406
- Reaction Score
- 101,792
He's so big and coordinated, he should have a couple of go-to moves that when he gets the ball down low against somebody smaller, he can just turn around and put it in. Easier said than done, I know. And he needs to use the square. When you only have a split second to make a move, isn't it easier to aim at a fixed target then a spot somewhere in the air?
.-.
- Joined
- May 2, 2015
- Messages
- 862
- Reaction Score
- 3,983
It takes longer for bigs to develop. So preseason injuries really hurt.
He won’t be ready this year. It’s obvious. Next year he’ll be dialed in.
The health excuse might be getting worn out soon.
Don is very young and in a huge body. Might just need that one more year. I’m sure many will disagree
He won’t be ready this year. It’s obvious. Next year he’ll be dialed in.
The health excuse might be getting worn out soon.
Don is very young and in a huge body. Might just need that one more year. I’m sure many will disagree
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2011
- Messages
- 1,939
- Reaction Score
- 5,289
Read all responses and maybe 3 addressed my question. I know he’s not fully healthy, doesn’t matter per the question. I love the kid, met him at a couple functions with my wife and son. Great, great ambassador for the program! He will be a pro! He’s a Stud! But still wondering, about the jump hook. No you don’t need to jump way high to have a jump hook. Because he’s so tall he could take one flat footed and never get blocked. It’s a simple basic shot for anyone, especially a big man. Half of Eric Dixon’s shots are jump hooks. Edey is automatic with his. Does Donovan have the talent for a jump hook? Of course he does! We’ve seen it once or twice. Just curious why he doesn’t take a bunch down on the block. That’s why I asked if the coaches even teach it. Kind of malpractice to not have that shot in your 7’3” studs arsenal. Clearly no one here knows. Please no more responses that don’t address the question for crying out loud.
That’s kind of a harsh assessment
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 2,908
- Reaction Score
- 8,285
How are any of us message board posters supposed to know why a certain technique is or isn't being taught to our teams center ?
Are you expecting Tom Moore to jump on here and give you a breakdown of time spent during structured practices ?
What answer would satisfy you ?
How do you make the assumption that he’s 100% and when you’re out for a month of the foot injury I’ve hardly called that minor I don’t know if you ever played competitive sports, but those who have realize how difficult it is to play with injuries
His conditioning suffered from not being able to run for a month and I’m sure he’s not able to practice at 100% and use the time to work on his conditioning
And he certainly is his own player, and the comment about stepping out of Sunoco shadow seems somewhat obtuse to me
Maybe the take should be that he’s not playing at 100% and is a major contributor on one of the best teams in the country
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2011
- Messages
- 20,276
- Reaction Score
- 116,378
Might want to address this question to the appropriate people.
2025-26 Men's Basketball Coaches - University of Connecticut Athletics
The official Men's Basketball Coach List for the University of Connecticut Huskies
.-.
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 34,897
- Reaction Score
- 104,761
It’s not a weakness. I mean there are good defenders with strength that aren’t going to allow you to get to 1-2 feet so this is a great shot when stopped. He can do it and as stated by the OP I’d like to see it more.
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2015
- Messages
- 14,862
- Reaction Score
- 115,530
Agreed on pretty much everything. I want to see Donovan rolling hard and finishing lobs or one-turn post moves more consistently. That's really all he needs to impress scouts. Right now he's not catching lobs at the same rate (foot?) and still bricking 2 foot shots more often thN he should.
Still the age of many freshman who will be drafted. I'm not concerned.
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2011
- Messages
- 1,939
- Reaction Score
- 5,289
Thanks for the answer. No, not expecting Tom Moore to answer. Ha ha. This should have been the first answer for my OP. There are a lot of knowledgeable posters here that were players and some coaches that I thought could give knowledgeable feedback. My nephew was taking jump hooks in middle school, then high school. It’s kind of is a Basic shot. Was hoping one of the “experts” here could shed light on this. Are coaches not even teaching this at any level. It seems there were a ton of threads about Andre’s lack of a shot and quite a few suggestions. Even breakdowns on shooting with a hitch without a hitch you name we saw it. I don’t watch much NBA, are the bigs taking that shot now? That’s the kind of feedback I was hoping for. Thanks for your response. Totally cracked me up.
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2011
- Messages
- 1,939
- Reaction Score
- 5,289
HuskylnSC
North is a direction; South is a lifestyle
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2017
- Messages
- 2,431
- Reaction Score
- 12,451
I believe Donovan has a lot of room to grow offensively. Defensively He's been good.
He is massive and very mobile for his size. Offensively IMO:
He is massive and very mobile for his size. Offensively IMO:
- He doesn't catch the ball well
- Handles a soft lob OK
- but not a hard pass in traffic.
- Balls down low or on the floor (which are difficult for a big) he does do well.
- He frequently brings the ball down and gathers himself before shooting.
- either with an unnecessary dribble
- or a half bend before jumping.
- He's a poor shooter
- he may lead the league on rebounding his own shot
- He is slow to get his shot off.
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2011
- Messages
- 56,138
- Reaction Score
- 213,097
I wonder if he can't push off that foot at all. He's got to be rounding into decent game shape by now and it's not like he gained a ton of weight. He dunked and blocked everything last season.
.-.
- Status