UConn's Back-to-Back Champ Big Man Turned NBA Rebounding Beast
Donovan Clingan, the 7'2" UConn center who powered two straight National Championships (2023 & 2024) with elite shot-blocking (2.5 BPG as sophomore) and interior dominance, has exploded in his 2025-26 NBA rookie season with Portland, averaging 12.1 PPG (95th), 11.6 RPG (3rd league-wide), and 2.1 APG on 52% FG. His differentiator? Unmatched rebounding tenacity (17 boards recently, 13.4 over 12 straight double-double games) and rim protection (2.9 BPG last 10), blending college championship pedigree with NBA growth into a high-motor anchor—no injury issues, perfect fit for contending teams needing a defensive rock.
