UConn Center Donovan Clingan Expected to Miss a Month of Play Due to Foot Strain

Star Huskies center and top returnee Donovan Clingan is set to miss a month of play due to injury.

Per FOX broadcaster John Fanta, UConn’s soon-to-be star center and top college returnee Donovan Clingan is set to miss a month of play due to a foot strain he suffered in practice earlier this week.

Breaking: UConn announces that sophomore center Donovan Clingan suffered a foot strain in practice earlier this week. He is expected to miss about a month.

— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) September 29, 2023

“There is an optimism in Storrs from UConn’s medical staff that Donovan Clingan will fully recover from his foot strain before the season begins and that this injury should not linger.” Fanta wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Obviously, never a positive to have a preseason setback but this could be a lot worse.”

It is indeed unfortunate news for the Huskies, as Clingan could very well be the most talented returnee in college basketball this season. At 7-foot-2, he utilizes his interior presence on both ends, with a little more mobility than your typical seven-footer.

Last season, he averaged 6.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game in just 13 minutes. But was set to see his minutes and opportunity blossom under a new-look Huskies team this season.

Alongside Adama Sanogo, Tristan Newton and shiny new five-star Stephon Castle, UConn will again look to cut down the final nets of the season in the NCAA Tournament.

While a niche selection as a traditional-style center, Clingan has already been projected by many NBA Draft experts as a potential lottery selection in the 2024 NBA Draft. And he could even see his stock rise as high as the top ten should the right suitor be there.

The defending champion Huskies kick off their season at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 against Norther Arizona.

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