UConn standout Donovan Clingan arrived on the Barclays Middle in fashion forward of the 2024 NBA Draft.
The 7-foot-2 middle, who’s projected to be a top-three choose in Wednesday evening’s draft, regarded dapper in a tuxedo and traditional bow tie, with the liner of his jacket that includes a sentimental contact inside: a collage of household pictures.
“Simply needed to have photos of those that have helped me get up to now, individuals who have guided me, on the within of my jacket,” Clingan mentioned on the crimson carpet, in keeping with CT Insider.
“Simply me and my mother, somebody that was actually particular to me and somebody I misplaced … I simply needed to have her as a particular a part of the day.”
The previous Huskies star misplaced his mother Stacey to breast most cancers in 2018.
Forward of Wednesday’s draft, the Connecticut native mentioned he attributes a lot of his success and motivation to his house state.
“Connecticut has given loads to me my complete life. It’s given me nice alternatives. It’s blessed me with the profession I’ve had to date. They’ve given me lots of help and lots of love,” Clingan mentioned Tuesday throughout pre-draft media availability in Midtown.
“I simply need to have the ability to give again at some point, so I’m simply gonna proceed to work to make it to the very best stage and be the best participant and particular person I probably may be.”
The within of his jacket unmistakably displays this.
Clingan went to UConn after a powerful highschool profession at Bristol Central Excessive Faculty, the place he scored a college document of two,268 profession factors, rating seventh all-time in state historical past.
The 20-year-old was poised to be a possible choice within the 2023 NBA Draft however determined to return to UConn for his sophomore season.
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The middle appeared in 35 video games final season with the Huskies, averaging 13.0 factors, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists and a couple of.5 blocks in 22.5 minutes per recreation.
The Huskies received their second straight championship in 2024 beneath head coach Dan Hurley, who just lately rejected the Lakers’ six-year, $70 million supply.
Whereas The Submit’s current mock draft has the Atlanta Hawks choosing French star Zaccharie Risacher at No. 1 general, Clingan has additionally been talked about as a contender for the primary general choose.
The primary spherical of the 2024 NBA Draft will get underway at 8 p.m. from Brooklyn.
