Donovan Clingan

[Rico444]

The only reason it felt like Thabeet was awful as a freshman was because he ended up on the floor about 4 or 5 times a game. You could see the potential though, and by his sophomore year he was great.

 

[Get a Job]

Let's go to the tape

My cheerleading squad gets hella screen time at the beginning of this video! Probably the longest we were ever shown in one stretch.

 

[businesslawyer]

Let's go to the tape

LMAO. You use a highlight tape to say he's not horrible. Why not just remind us how high a draft pick Ajou Deng was by showing highlights of how he dominated that chair.

I really don't get this. I talked about how good Thabeet became, so I don't see how his being a #2 draft choice after three seasons is even relevant. Pick a random game from his season and link to the game tape. Then if you want to really discuss whether he was any good as a frosh, I'm in. He wasn't.

 

[businesslawyer]

The only reason it felt like Thabeet was awful as a freshman was because he ended up on the floor about 4 or 5 times a game. You could see the potential though, and by his sophomore year he was great.

Of course you could see the potential --- he was huge and had some coordination. What does potential have to do with performance? Two entirely distinct things. The best college basketball players are not always the ones with the most NBA potential.

 

[tcf15]

LMAO. You use a highlight tape to say he's not horrible. Why not just remind us how high a draft pick Ajou Deng was by showing highlights of how he dominated that chair.

I really don't get this. I talked about how good Thabeet became, so I don't see how his being a #2 draft choice after three seasons is even relevant. Pick a random game from his season and link to the game tape. Then if you want to really discuss whether he was any good as a frosh, I'm in. He wasn't.

I said no such thing...just taking an opportunity to post the guys highlights, although I do disagree with you. And it's the Boneyard, we latch on to the most minute details in a post, regardless of the overall point.

 

[Dream Jobbed 2.0]

I’m pretty sure this kid is actually going to rotate through playing for every Big10 team.

 

[Chin Diesel]

Of course you could see the potential --- he was huge and had some coordination. What does potential have to do with performance? Two entirely distinct things. The best college basketball players are not always the ones with the most NBA potential.

I will say this and people can take it however they want.

The "coordination" shown by Hasheem will be light years ahead of the "coordination" Clingan shows as a frosh. And that's regardless of where he goes.

At least that is my expectation.

Even in the highlights Hasheem blocked back to back shots using different hands. I have zero expectations of Clingan being able to do that.

 

[businesslawyer]

I will say this and people can take it however they want.

The "coordination" shown by Hasheem will be light years ahead of the "coordination" Clingan shows as a frosh. And that's regardless of where he goes.

At least that is my expectation.

Even in the highlights Hasheem blocked back to back shots using different hands. I have zero expectations of Clingan being able to do that.

My expectation is that Clingan will be ahead of Thabeet offensively by a good deal. Would have to see him play more to have an opinion about defense.

 

[Rico444]

Of course you could see the potential --- he was huge and had some coordination. What does potential have to do with performance? Two entirely distinct things. The best college basketball players are not always the ones with the most NBA potential.

I think you can have lots of potential while still being a decent player in the moment, that's the point I was trying to make. I would completely disagree with your position that he was "beyond horrible" as a freshman. He averaged 3.8 blocks per game as a freshman, that alone means he was at least an impactful defender, even if you ignore the decent 6.4 rebounds per game.

EDIT: I just looked it up, Hasheem finished 3rd in the nation in blocks per game his freshman year.

 

[Waquoit]

I am just hoping the staff has a plan with options and a timeline so we get the players we need.

Considering the recruiting by this staff to date, please tell me what leads you to believe that they don't have a plan with options and a timeline so we get the players we need.

 

[BGesus4]

LMAO. You use a highlight tape to say he's not horrible. Why not just remind us how high a draft pick Ajou Deng was by showing highlights of how he dominated that chair.

I really don't get this. I talked about how good Thabeet became, so I don't see how his being a #2 draft choice after three seasons is even relevant. Pick a random game from his season and link to the game tape. Then if you want to really discuss whether he was any good as a frosh, I'm in. He wasn't.

Were those chairs in-game?

 

[Durks07]

Sorry for posting about Clingan in the "did Thabeet stink as a freshman" thread, but I did not know where else to post this.

 

[YearoftheHusky]

Fwiw, we’ll prob never see a dominant big who works only from the post ever again. (At least at how the game is moving now)
Shaq, Dream, Kareem, lots of post only bigs are just converted to rim runners & defensive specialists in today’s NBA.

Are we really just go to breeze over the fact that someone actually just said that Shaq, Dream and Kareem would merely be run runners in today’s game?!
Even for the ‘yard that may be one of the most insane things I’ve ever read.

 

[MDHuskFan]

Are we really just go to breeze over the fact that someone actually just said that Shaq, Dream and Kareem would merely be run runners in today’s game?!
Even for the ‘yard that may be one of the most insane things I’ve ever read.

Name 1 top big in the NBA that doesn’t have the ability to shoot.
Teams don’t dump the ball down low anymore, even bigs who dictate the offense usually initiate it from outside the paint.
Shaq is prob the biggest example of what I was trying to get across, more so than the others I mentioned. Kofi & Garza would have been top 10 guys in 2010. Giannis & Embid both are physically dominant, but have had to become shooters.
I think all the greats of the game could succeed in other eras, as I believe their dedication to craft would have made them expand their game. But it seems the “traditional” center role has changed with the game.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Name 1 top big in the NBA that doesn’t have the ability to shoot.
Teams don’t dump the ball down low anymore, even bigs who dictate the offense usually initiate it from outside the paint.
Shaq is prob the biggest example of what I was trying to get across, more so than the others I mentioned. Kofi & Garza would have been top 10 guys in 2010. Giannis & Embid both are physically dominant, but have had to become shooters.
I think all the greats of the game could succeed in other eras, as I believe their dedication to craft would have made them expand their game. But it seems the “traditional” center role has changed with the game.

Sure. And there is no center in the NBA that could hope to stop Kareem or even Kevin McHale for that matter. They gained skill in outside shooting, but the back to the basket skills are now rare, and the understanding of how to defend it is also lost. I feel like NBA teams are reluctant to buck the trend. In the NFL, if a team loads up on DBs, you go with a power running game. Shaq, Dream and Kareem would be unstoppable, because nobody has a team defense designed to stop them. Olajuwon would own the paint on the defensive end in an era where teams can actually play zone.

 

[HooperScooper]

Sorry for posting about Clingan in the "did Thabeet stink as a freshman" thread, but I did not know where else to post this.

To add to this Jerry Meyer of 247sports.com answered this question about Clingan in his weekly Mailbag.

Donovan Clingan to UConn now? Or maybe later?

A Dime Back @ADimeBack

Based on Donovan Clingan’s most recent interview with 247Sports Director of Basketball Recruiting Eric Bossi, I would go with “maybe later.” The 2022 7-1 center out of Bristol (Conn.) Central High School is working with a list of eight schools - Connecticut, Michigan, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Providence, Rutgers and Syracuse. Connecticut is perceived as the leader, but according to Clingan in his interview with Bossi, Connecticut is not a for sure thing.

Here is his quote on UConn:

“People think that UConn is already my decision because they are close to home but that doesn’t mean they are. Coach Hurley and his staff have done a really good job of building the program back up and recruiting me.”

Presently there are no Crystal Ball predictions for Clingan.

Meyer's Mailbag: Thompson twins and other top defenders, Micah Shrewsberry and more

In this edition of Meyer's Mailbag I name a couple of the best defenders I have scouted, opine on Penn State head coach Micah Shrewsberry, discuss a few 2022 prospects, and

247sports.com

 

[polycom]

I can’t wait to watch this college basketball career

 

[DrZzzz]

LMAO. You use a highlight tape to say he's not horrible. Why not just remind us how high a draft pick Ajou Deng was by showing highlights of how he dominated that chair.

I really don't get this. I talked about how good Thabeet became, so I don't see how his being a #2 draft choice after three seasons is even relevant. Pick a random game from his season and link to the game tape. Then if you want to really discuss whether he was any good as a frosh, I'm in. He wasn't.

He made the All Big-East rookie team. Among NCAA leaders in blocks as a rookie. Changed the team’s defense. He was good. As a frosh. If Clingan was half as good as a rookie I’d be stoked.

 

[cap10dingus]

Sorry for posting about Clingan in the "did Thabeet stink as a freshman" thread, but I did not know where else to post this.

Honestly the way this kid talks about UConn I think it's time for some tough love on the recruiting trail. "Listen Don, we don't want you here because we are close to home we want you here IF you want to be a Husky, if you want to be part of this culture, and if you will come in ready to help us achieve our goals. Don't let us waste your time if that's not something you want." Honestly the way this kid has been quoted about UConn, (don't take this the wrong way I want his talent), it's almost like he is only considering us because we are close but it's just the easy choice. Maybe we should make him feel like less of a priority has he has clearly made UConn. We don't need to beg. You either want to be here and just haven't decided yet or we can be fine w out you. There are 100 DC's and only a few UConn caliber programs. That simple. I'm almost off this kid, every time it's the same and he is a very talented project not a plug and play guy. Maybe I'm the only one but if DH came out and said "We want Don but we aren't a priority to him if we are he'll let us know and we 100% will continue to make him a priority. If not we look forward to watching him succeed somewhere else." I think I would have a lot of respect for DH for that. Maybe I'm reading too much between the lines.

 

[husky429]

Honestly the way this kid talks about UConn I think it's time for some tough love on the recruiting trail. "Listen Don, we don't want you here because we are close to home we want you here IF you want to be a Husky, if you want to be part of this culture, and if you will come in ready to help us achieve our goals. Don't let us waste your time if that's not something you want." Honestly the way this kid has been quoted about UConn, (don't take this the wrong way I want his talent), it's almost like he is only considering us because we are close but it's just the easy choice. Maybe we should make him feel like less of a priority has he has clearly made UConn. We don't need to beg. You either want to be here and just haven't decided yet or we can be fine w out you. There are 100 DC's and only a few UConn caliber programs. That simple. I'm almost off this kid, every time it's the same and he is a very talented project not a plug and play guy. Maybe I'm the only one but if DH came out and said "We want Don but we aren't a priority to him if we are he'll let us know and we 100% will continue to make him a priority. If not we look forward to watching him succeed somewhere else." I think I would have a lot of respect for DH for that. Maybe I'm reading too much between the lines.

He's responding to fans, not the coaches. You're reading between lines that the coaches aren't even writing. Tom Moore isn't calling Donovan and saying "hey, you're close to UConn, so I guess you'll enroll here, right?"

 

[Road2Six]

Honestly the way this kid talks about UConn I think it's time for some tough love on the recruiting trail. "Listen Don, we don't want you here because we are close to home we want you here IF you want to be a Husky, if you want to be part of this culture, and if you will come in ready to help us achieve our goals. Don't let us waste your time if that's not something you want." Honestly the way this kid has been quoted about UConn, (don't take this the wrong way I want his talent), it's almost like he is only considering us because we are close but it's just the easy choice. Maybe we should make him feel like less of a priority has he has clearly made UConn. We don't need to beg. You either want to be here and just haven't decided yet or we can be fine w out you. There are 100 DC's and only a few UConn caliber programs. That simple. I'm almost off this kid, every time it's the same and he is a very talented project not a plug and play guy. Maybe I'm the only one but if DH came out and said "We want Don but we aren't a priority to him if we are he'll let us know and we 100% will continue to make him a priority. If not we look forward to watching him succeed somewhere else." I think I would have a lot of respect for DH for that. Maybe I'm reading too much between the lines.

I do agree he makes it a point practically every interview to mention how UConn isn’t an automatic. He’s not even asked he just goes out of his way to make that known. Why can’t you just leave it at what you like about Hurley and the program?

 

[Chuck]

He's responding to fans, not the coaches. You're reading between lines that the coaches aren't even writing. Tom Moore isn't calling Donovan and saying "hey, you're close to UConn, so I guess you'll enroll here, right?"

I agree. Also, I don't think he's leading UConn on. I think he's a teenager trying to make an enormous decision. We've heard stories about kids not getting widely recruited because it's clear they are going to a certain school. There's a danger of coaches shying away from Donovan because he is local to UConn and because it's known that he has stayed local for HS, possibly to the detriment of his development. If I were Donovan (or his dad), I'd be making it clear that I haven't made my decision until I announce. It's the only way to get the right information to make the best decision.

 

[Dean Wormer]

Honestly the way this kid talks about UConn I think it's time for some tough love on the recruiting trail. "Listen Don, we don't want you here because we are close to home we want you here IF you want to be a Husky, if you want to be part of this culture, and if you will come in ready to help us achieve our goals. Don't let us waste your time if that's not something you want." Honestly the way this kid has been quoted about UConn, (don't take this the wrong way I want his talent), it's almost like he is only considering us because we are close but it's just the easy choice. Maybe we should make him feel like less of a priority has he has clearly made UConn. We don't need to beg. You either want to be here and just haven't decided yet or we can be fine w out you. There are 100 DC's and only a few UConn caliber programs. That simple. I'm almost off this kid, every time it's the same and he is a very talented project not a plug and play guy. Maybe I'm the only one but if DH came out and said "We want Don but we aren't a priority to him if we are he'll let us know and we 100% will continue to make him a priority. If not we look forward to watching him succeed somewhere else." I think I would have a lot of respect for DH for that. Maybe I'm reading too much between the lines.

You must have an awesome dating life.
“I want her but I’m not a priority to her if I am she’ll let me know and i 100% will continue to make her a priority. If not i look forward to watching her succeed somewhere else, with someone else”.
okaaay.

 

[navery12]

Honestly the way this kid talks about UConn I think it's time for some tough love on the recruiting trail. "Listen Don, we don't want you here because we are close to home we want you here IF you want to be a Husky, if you want to be part of this culture, and if you will come in ready to help us achieve our goals. Don't let us waste your time if that's not something you want." Honestly the way this kid has been quoted about UConn, (don't take this the wrong way I want his talent), it's almost like he is only considering us because we are close but it's just the easy choice. Maybe we should make him feel like less of a priority has he has clearly made UConn. We don't need to beg. You either want to be here and just haven't decided yet or we can be fine w out you. There are 100 DC's and only a few UConn caliber programs. That simple. I'm almost off this kid, every time it's the same and he is a very talented project not a plug and play guy. Maybe I'm the only one but if DH came out and said "We want Don but we aren't a priority to him if we are he'll let us know and we 100% will continue to make him a priority. If not we look forward to watching him succeed somewhere else." I think I would have a lot of respect for DH for that. Maybe I'm reading too much between the lines.

You're reading way too much between the lines, and reading it entirely wrong on all sides. Don't know what else you want from Donovan, he mentions UConn in every article in a positive light while keeping the door open for other schools. Which makes sense, because he's not committed to UConn and is still deciding.

What you're asking Hurley to do is crazy, that's a good way to make sure you never get a commit again. Internally have that conversation about what you do if he commits elsewhere, but publicly trashing a kid for not committing on your timeline in the middle of Covid would be an unimaginable disaster

 

[UCSouth]

Honestly the way this kid talks about UConn I think it's time for some tough love on the recruiting trail. "Listen Don, we don't want you here because we are close to home we want you here IF you want to be a Husky, if you want to be part of this culture, and if you will come in ready to help us achieve our goals. Don't let us waste your time if that's not something you want." Honestly the way this kid has been quoted about UConn, (don't take this the wrong way I want his talent), it's almost like he is only considering us because we are close but it's just the easy choice. Maybe we should make him feel like less of a priority has he has clearly made UConn. We don't need to beg. You either want to be here and just haven't decided yet or we can be fine w out you. There are 100 DC's and only a few UConn caliber programs. That simple. I'm almost off this kid, every time it's the same and he is a very talented project not a plug and play guy. Maybe I'm the only one but if DH came out and said "We want Don but we aren't a priority to him if we are he'll let us know and we 100% will continue to make him a priority. If not we look forward to watching him succeed somewhere else." I think I would have a lot of respect for DH for that. Maybe I'm reading too much between the lines.

Thank goodness you have nothing to do with recruiting.