Donovan Clingan says practices at UConn were ‘definitely harder’ than they are in the NBA

[HooperScooper]

No wonder why Hurley didn't want to go to the Lakers.

“Chauncey’s great, I feel like it’s two different styles,” Clingan told reporters. “Practices were definitely harder at UConn, for sure. Chauncey’s more laid-back, great coach, but Danny’s intense, man. It’s two and a half hours of just getting yelled at, he’s a very intense coach.”

Donovan Clingan says practices at UConn were ‘definitely harder’ than they are in the NBA

Donovan Clingan won two national championships in his two years at UConn, and as the Bristol native embarks on his NBA career with the Portland Trail Blazers, he may be starting to understand even …

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Alternate access:
Donovan Clingan says practices at UConn were ‘definitely harder’ than they are in the NBA

 

[Lefty2one]

Playing 100+ games a year for some NBA teams. Practices better be easier!

 

[husky429]

NBA players do the vast majority of their skillwork outside of official practices. The (very few) NBA practices I've seen are mostly just going over sets and the options in them as well as different defensive coverages. Just a totally different game in that way.

The guys are also uber-professional for the most part and spent much more time talking about where they need the ball and what they're going to do in very specific situations on defense. Different than college where the guys are often still learning how to play in practice.

 

[HooperScooper]

NBA players do the vast majority of their skillwork outside of official practices. The (very few) NBA practices I've seen are mostly just going over sets and the options in them as well as different defensive coverages. Just a totally different game in that way.

The guys are also uber-professional for the most part and spent much more time talking about where they need the ball and what they're going to do in very specific situations on defense. Different than college where the guys are often still learning how to play in practice.

All true. But training camp practices are probably much different than in-season practices.

 

[Kitaman]

Clingan co-signs NBAer's statement.

​

 

[controlfade]

of course they are, come during the season their practices are borderline shoot arounds

 

[nomar]

Clingan co-signs NBAer's statement.

View attachment 103939 ​

I'll never forget watching that press conference live. (I was in law school and home at that time.) Instant classic.

People killed him for it but he wasn't wrong. He gave that organization everything he had. Allen Iverson never heard of "load management." He got hurt a lot but whenever he could play, he played, and he played hard. I wasn't a gigantic fan of him when he was on the Sixers but I think he's now quite underrated (even though he's in the HOF). His efficiency numbers would have been much better if he had decent players around him.

Anyway, yeah, Donovan, practices are easier. LMK how easy the NBA is after you guys play Denver!

 

[Waquoit]

It seems to me pros do their conditioning on their own time. That would make practices "easier."

 

[metsfan2323]

I bet Pat Riley's practices were intense. Maybe Chauncey is not a good coach, his current record is 81 wins and 165 losses.

 

[Hunt for 7]

When you hear this type of quote you just have to wonder. And of course I understand that this post is going to have several BY’s noting how wrong I am.

But I said it last year before he declared and I am going to say it again. Donovan should have stayed another year. The reason in my mind is simple. HE LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT BEING A STUDENT ATHLETE AT UCONN. AND HE WAS MAKING ENOUGH MONEY TO BE CONSIDERED WEALTHY.

Hopefully everyone will experience a point in their life where they experience near perfect contentment. If they are lucky enough to do so after things change as they always do you will realize as you get older that those opportunities and times are limited for most people. If it happens once you are lucky more than once you are blessed.

Donovan was making over a million dollars maybe two million dollars a year while playing at UConn and getting a college education. But more than anything else he was happy. Actually joyful would be a better definition.

I am hopeful, we will see that same joy on DC face when we see him hit the floor this year. But after a comment like this, I think it is going to be a struggle. He loves UConn so much that it leads to a public statement like this. I know it was more his way of showing love to UConn but while doing so he forgot about the impact.

For those of us that have seen over five decades of life and had any reasonable amount of financial success, I would ask this question. Was there a time in your life that you wish would have lasted longer regardless of the financial consequences because you were in a joyful place? If so what would you give currently to go back and make that most joyous part of your life last a little longer?

I wish Donovan all the best. I have been a UConn fan since I was a very young boy and my dad brought me to the field house to watch the two Bob’s (Staack and Boyd) who were both scoring close to 20 a game and there was this glimmer of hope that our state school would be able to finally beat Holy Cross and Providence. Donovan is my all time favorite UConn player. I have never seen any player look happier than Donovan when he was healthy and playing regardless if he was on the floor or on the bench. He was as much a fan of UConn as any of us.

 

[metsfan2323]

When you hear this type of quote you just have to wonder. And of course I understand that this post is going to have several BY’s noting how wrong I am.

But I said it last year before he declared and I am going to say it again. Donovan should have stayed another year. The reason in my mind is simple. HE LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT BEING A STUDENT ATHLETE AT UCONN. AND HE WAS MAKING ENOUGH MONEY TO BE CONSIDERED WEALTHY.

Hopefully everyone will experience a point in their life where they experience near perfect contentment. If they are lucky enough to do so after things change as they always do you will realize as you get older that those opportunities and times are limited for most people. If it happens once you are lucky more than once you are blessed.

Donovan was making over a million dollars maybe two million dollars a year while playing at UConn and getting a college education. But more than anything else he was happy. Actually joyful would be a better definition.

I am hopeful, we will see that same joy on DC face when we see him hit the floor this year. But after a comment like this, I think it is going to be a struggle. He loves UConn so much that it leads to a public statement like this. I know it was more his way of showing love to UConn but while doing so he forgot about the impact.

For those of us that have seen over five decades of life and had any reasonable amount of financial success, I would ask this question. Was there a time in your life that you wish would have lasted longer regardless of the financial consequences because you were in a joyful place? If so what would you give currently to go back and make that most joyous part of your life last a little longer?

I wish Donovan all the best. I have been a UConn fan since I was a very young boy and my dad brought me to the field house to watch the two Bob’s (Staack and Boyd) who were both scoring close to 20 a game and there was this glimmer of hope that our state school would be able to finally beat Holy Cross and Providence. Donovan is my all time favorite UConn player. I have never seen any player look happier than Donovan when he was healthy and playing regardless if he was on the floor or on the bench. He was as much a fan of UConn as any of us.

The risk of injury, especially for a big man, is too high to come back. He already has foot issues. He did the right thing.

 

[CL82]

The risk of injury, especially for a big man, is too high to come back. He already has foot issues. He did the right thing.

Yep. All pro athletes have a limited shelflife, especially big men. It makes sense to maximize the amount of years that you will be playing.

 

[controlfade]

When you hear this type of quote you just have to wonder. And of course I understand that this post is going to have several BY’s noting how wrong I am.

But I said it last year before he declared and I am going to say it again. Donovan should have stayed another year. The reason in my mind is simple. HE LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT BEING A STUDENT ATHLETE AT UCONN. AND HE WAS MAKING ENOUGH MONEY TO BE CONSIDERED WEALTHY.

Hopefully everyone will experience a point in their life where they experience near perfect contentment. If they are lucky enough to do so after things change as they always do you will realize as you get older that those opportunities and times are limited for most people. If it happens once you are lucky more than once you are blessed.

Donovan was making over a million dollars maybe two million dollars a year while playing at UConn and getting a college education. But more than anything else he was happy. Actually joyful would be a better definition.

I am hopeful, we will see that same joy on DC face when we see him hit the floor this year. But after a comment like this, I think it is going to be a struggle. He loves UConn so much that it leads to a public statement like this. I know it was more his way of showing love to UConn but while doing so he forgot about the impact.

For those of us that have seen over five decades of life and had any reasonable amount of financial success, I would ask this question. Was there a time in your life that you wish would have lasted longer regardless of the financial consequences because you were in a joyful place? If so what would you give currently to go back and make that most joyous part of your life last a little longer?

I wish Donovan all the best. I have been a UConn fan since I was a very young boy and my dad brought me to the field house to watch the two Bob’s (Staack and Boyd) who were both scoring close to 20 a game and there was this glimmer of hope that our state school would be able to finally beat Holy Cross and Providence. Donovan is my all time favorite UConn player. I have never seen any player look happier than Donovan when he was healthy and playing regardless if he was on the floor or on the bench. He was as much a fan of UConn as any of us.

DC wanted to come back and Hurley told him he was crazy and to get out of his office.
As much as he would have preferred to stay (at least that’s my opinion) Hurley was right telling him he had to go. As mentioned earlier, he dealt with a foot injury most the season and as a big man that’s a potentially devastating to a career. Hurley did right by DC when it would have been very easy for him to only think of himself and his reputation.

 

[Sphinx]

When you hear this type of quote you just have to wonder. And of course I understand that this post is going to have several BY’s noting how wrong I am.

But I said it last year before he declared and I am going to say it again. Donovan should have stayed another year. The reason in my mind is simple. HE LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT BEING A STUDENT ATHLETE AT UCONN. AND HE WAS MAKING ENOUGH MONEY TO BE CONSIDERED WEALTHY.

Hopefully everyone will experience a point in their life where they experience near perfect contentment. If they are lucky enough to do so after things change as they always do you will realize as you get older that those opportunities and times are limited for most people. If it happens once you are lucky more than once you are blessed.

Donovan was making over a million dollars maybe two million dollars a year while playing at UConn and getting a college education. But more than anything else he was happy. Actually joyful would be a better definition.

I am hopeful, we will see that same joy on DC face when we see him hit the floor this year. But after a comment like this, I think it is going to be a struggle. He loves UConn so much that it leads to a public statement like this. I know it was more his way of showing love to UConn but while doing so he forgot about the impact.

For those of us that have seen over five decades of life and had any reasonable amount of financial success, I would ask this question. Was there a time in your life that you wish would have lasted longer regardless of the financial consequences because you were in a joyful place? If so what would you give currently to go back and make that most joyous part of your life last a little longer?

I wish Donovan all the best. I have been a UConn fan since I was a very young boy and my dad brought me to the field house to watch the two Bob’s (Staack and Boyd) who were both scoring close to 20 a game and there was this glimmer of hope that our state scho ol would be able to finally beat Holy Cross and Providence. Donovan is my all time favorite UConn player. I have never seen any player look happier than Donovan when he was healthy and playing regardless if he was on the floor or on the bench. He was as much a fan of UConn as any of us.

Thanks for this -- but then I'm a sucker for a well-expressed bit of sentiment. I never went to Yale but always tear up when I hear the Whiffenpoop Song. Why would anyone want to leave college early? On the other hand, as my favorite aphorist once said, "Our fondest memories are of moments that ended when they should have." -- and I suspect, after a little home-sickness initially, that an older and wiser Donovan is not going to regret his decision.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

I am hopeful, we will see that same joy on DC face when we see him hit the floor this year. But after a comment like this, I think it is going to be a struggle. He loves UConn so much that it leads to a public statement like this.

The Boneyard’s ability to make something out of nothing remains unmatched.

 

[Sphinx]

The Boneyard's ability to make something out of nothing remains unmatched.

...as does the Boneyard's ability to dismiss as "nothing" anything remotely thoughtful.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

...as does the Boneyard's ability to dismiss as "nothing" anything remotely thoughtful.

If you agree that the joy of basketball is gone for Clingan because he said practice was harder at UConn you’re certainly entitled to that take, but you’ve got some balls to call it “thoughtful.”

 

[7774]

...as does the Boneyard's ability to dismiss as "nothing" anything remotely thoughtful.

You should get a MRI if you believe there was any thought behind that.

 

[Hunt for 7]

If you agree that the joy of basketball is gone for Clingan because he said practice was harder at UConn you’re certainly entitled to that take, but you’ve got some balls to call it “thoughtful.”

As does the expected out of context posts. I missed the absolute comment that the joy of basketball is gone for Donovan, never to be found again.


Pretty obvious that most on this board think everything is about money.

Just wonder how many who post on this board and have been successful….and let’s define successful as a net worth if $10 million or more…..and believe that money is what is most important.

I remember when education was important and a college kid leaving early for money was a bad long term decision.

When you are making millions and are happy and in a perfect situation and think leaving all that should be an easy decision that might be a thoughtless way to think.

As for Hurley and his advice. I believe he gave DC the best advice given he has multiple variables to consider when giving a player advice.

Just like my mother did when she told me not to marry my second wife. 20 years and two beautiful children later I am glad I chose not to take mom’s advice.

What I find interesting is that the same people laughing at the thought that DC should have considered staying are pretty much the same people who are saying Hurley made a great decision not taking the Laker job and turning his back on $10Million.

 

[HooperScooper]

What I find interesting is that the same people laughing at the thought that DC should have considered staying are pretty much the same people who are saying Hurley made a great decision not taking the Laker job and turning his back on $10Million.

That's not a good analogy. Clingan's situation, alternatives and risk were very different than Hurley's. I'm sure you can see why.

 

[Hunt for 7]

That's not a good analogy. Clingan's situation, alternatives and risk were very different than Hurley's. I'm sure you can see why.

I agree to some degree because DC getting injured is higher based on percentage but one could argue that Danny’s decision also had some risk.
We all agree that going back to back was almost impossible but he did it. Hopefully he will win five more.

But say he does not or even let’s consider we don’t win another chip for a few more years. In that case Hurley may never be in a position to be as coveted as he was after going back to back.

It may not have been a perfect analogy but really I was using it as an example that money is not the only thing that should influence a persons life decisions.

 

[husky429]

When you hear this type of quote you just have to wonder. And of course I understand that this post is going to have several BY’s noting how wrong I am.

But I said it last year before he declared and I am going to say it again. Donovan should have stayed another year. The reason in my mind is simple. HE LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT BEING A STUDENT ATHLETE AT UCONN. AND HE WAS MAKING ENOUGH MONEY TO BE CONSIDERED WEALTHY.

Hopefully everyone will experience a point in their life where they experience near perfect contentment. If they are lucky enough to do so after things change as they always do you will realize as you get older that those opportunities and times are limited for most people. If it happens once you are lucky more than once you are blessed.

Donovan was making over a million dollars maybe two million dollars a year while playing at UConn and getting a college education. But more than anything else he was happy. Actually joyful would be a better definition.

I am hopeful, we will see that same joy on DC face when we see him hit the floor this year. But after a comment like this, I think it is going to be a struggle. He loves UConn so much that it leads to a public statement like this. I know it was more his way of showing love to UConn but while doing so he forgot about the impact.

For those of us that have seen over five decades of life and had any reasonable amount of financial success, I would ask this question. Was there a time in your life that you wish would have lasted longer regardless of the financial consequences because you were in a joyful place? If so what would you give currently to go back and make that most joyous part of your life last a little longer?

I wish Donovan all the best. I have been a UConn fan since I was a very young boy and my dad brought me to the field house to watch the two Bob’s (Staack and Boyd) who were both scoring close to 20 a game and there was this glimmer of hope that our state school would be able to finally beat Holy Cross and Providence. Donovan is my all time favorite UConn player. I have never seen any player look happier than Donovan when he was healthy and playing regardless if he was on the floor or on the bench. He was as much a fan of UConn as any of us.

Oh good grief. Give it a rest. If he snaps his legs in two, just the guaranteed money means he won't ever need to work again. NIL isn't providing that. You're going to give me a cardiac incident and you post enough that putting you on ignore will make this place hard to read.

 

[REB1094]

If DC isn’t happy with the intensity of the Blazers’ practices, it’ll be made up for when the first paycheck clears

No NBA practice will be as intense as a Dan Hurley practice. That doesn’t work in the NBA anymore

Clingan has $14M guaranteed money and another $15M+ on deck if the Blazers pick up his options. Too much money to turn down with no guarantee it’ll be there next year if he has 1 more injury

Blazers are rebuilding which means Ayton will likely be gone within a few years. This is a great opportunity for Clingan to ease in to the league and can take over the starting spot when he’s ready (he had conditioning issues in the summer league). The Blazers suck and player-coaches never turn out well, but he will have more than enough opportunities to shine

 

[Hunt for 7]

Oh good grief. Give it a rest. If he snaps his legs in two, just the guaranteed money means he won't ever need to work again. NIL isn't providing that. You're going to give me a cardiac incident and you post enough that putting you on ignore will make this place hard to read.

Snaps his legs in two….such hyperbole….wow…..

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

Some of yall think he’s looking at easier practices as a bad thing? Lol

Do you like doing more work at your job too?

I think it was more of an observation than anything.