NCAA Tournament Player Profile: Donovan Clingan Is Leading the Charge for the UConn Huskies

(Photo : (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)) NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 22: Donovan Clingan #32 of the Connecticut Huskies reacts in the second half against the Stetson Hatters in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 22, 2024 in New York City

They say stars shine on the brightest and biggest stage.

No star has shined brighter during this year's NCAA Tournament than UConn Huskies center Donovan Clingan.

During his first year, Clingan saw some success as a pivotal role player for UConn. He was a massive piece in helping the Huskies secure their National Championship last season.

Donovan Clingan returned for his second year even better than then his first, despite battling injuries at the start of the season. Clingan has become a defensive force and has the UConn Huskies dancing in the Sweet 16.

Now, with hopes of going back-to-back, Donovan Clingan looks to lead the charge for the Huskies once again, with a potential second National Championship on their mind.

NCAA Tournament Player Profile: Donovan Clingan

Team: UConn
Position: Center
Height: 7 foot 2
Season stats: 12.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assist per game.

The Connecticut-born big man has come up big-time for the Huskies in their route to another NCAA Championship.

In Uconn's win over Stetson, Donovan Clingan dropped a game-high 19 points, eight rebounds, and four assists to help them move onto the next round.

Clingan continued his stellar play during the Huskies' 75-58 win over Northwestern; scoring 14 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. He was a monster patrolling the paint, picking up eight blocks for the Huskies.

For the UConn Huskies to go back-to-back, they will need Donovan Clingan to remain a dominant inside force.

His size has played a massive role in the Huskies wins throughout the tournament so far, and he has been a threat in the pick-and-roll game for UConn as well. The question is, will he continue his dominance against San Diego State?

The Huskies played the Aztecs last season in the NCAA National Championship; but this time around, San Diego State will have their own big man, Jaedon LeDee, who could potentially hold his own against Donovan Clingan in this rematch.