Donovan Clingan Bio
Donovan John Clingan (born February 23, 2004) is an American professional basketball player who serves as the center for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The 7-foot-2 big man from Bristol, Connecticut, arrived in the NBA after an outstanding two-year college career at the University of Connecticut, where he helped the UConn Huskies capture consecutive NCAA championships in 2023 and 2024. The Portland Trail Blazers selected Clingan with the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, and he immediately made an impact as a rookie, earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2025. Known for his defensive instincts and shot-blocking ability, Clingan has quickly established himself as a promising young center in professional basketball.
Early Life and Background
Donovan Clingan grew up in Bristol, Connecticut, where his passion for basketball developed at an early age. Coming from a basketball family, Clingan was exposed to the sport through his parents, particularly his mother, Stacey Porrini Clingan, who played college basketball at the University of Maine after setting records at Bristol Central High School. This family connection provided Clingan with a strong foundation and deep understanding of the game from a young age. He attended Bristol Central High School, where he quickly became a standout player on the varsity basketball team.
During his high school career at Bristol Central, Clingan emerged as one of Connecticut’s most dominant players. As a junior, he averaged 27.3 points, 17.2 rebounds, and 5.8 blocks per game, earning him the Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year award. He followed that with an even more impressive senior season, averaging 30.3 points, 18.4 rebounds, and 6.2 blocks per game while repeating as the Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year. In his final year, he led the Bristol Central boys basketball team to the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference Division II state championship in 2022, cementing his legacy as one of the best players in Connecticut high school history.
Path to College Basketball
Clingan’s dominant high school performance attracted attention from major college programs across the country. He received scholarship offers from several prestigious programs, including Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Georgetown, Syracuse, Providence, and Rutgers. After careful consideration, Clingan made his college commitment on July 2, 2021, choosing to play for the UConn Huskies. The decision to join UConn was influenced by the program’s strong basketball tradition and its ability to develop players for the next level. His commitment was a significant recruiting victory for the Huskies program.
Throughout his high school years, Clingan was influenced by his close friendship with Victor Rosa, who would later become a record-breaking football player at Bristol Central and eventually play running back for the UConn football team. Rosa served as Clingan’s point guard during their high school basketball career, and their bond continued throughout their collegiate careers at UConn. This friendship provided Clingan with a familiar support system as he transitioned to college basketball at the Division I level.
Donovan Clingan Career
College Career at UConn (2022–2024)
Clingan began his collegiate career at the University of Connecticut in the 2022–2023 season. He entered as the backup center behind Adama Sanogo, which allowed him to develop his game while learning from an experienced player. Despite coming off the bench, Clingan made significant contributions throughout his freshman season. His defensive presence and ability to protect the rim quickly became apparent, and he showed flashes of the player he would become. At the end of the regular season, he was recognized for his performance by being named to the Big East Conference All-Freshman team.
His most significant contribution came in the 2023 NCAA Championship game against San Diego State. Clingan played a crucial role in helping the Huskies secure their national championship victory with a final score of 76–59. He recorded 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block, and 2 steals in the championship game, demonstrating his all-around ability on the biggest stage. Despite interest from NBA teams following the championship, Clingan made the decision to return to UConn for his sophomore season, bypassing the 2023 NBA Draft to further develop his game.
Entering his sophomore year as the Huskies’ starting center, Clingan was poised for a breakout season. However, he suffered a foot injury during a game against Seton Hall on December 20, 2023, which forced him to miss several weeks of action. He made his return on January 17, 2024, scoring 6 points and grabbing 5 rebounds in 16 minutes of play during a 62–48 victory over 18th-ranked Creighton. Following the season, Clingan declared for the 2024 NBA Draft on April 12, 2024, officially ending his collegiate career at UConn.
NBA Draft and Rookie Season
The Portland Trail Blazers selected Clingan with the seventh overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, acquiring the rights to one of the top center prospects in the draft class. Notably, the Trail Blazers had retired his eventual jersey number 23 for Hall of Famer Bill Walton, so Clingan chose to wear number 23 instead. He officially signed with the team on July 4, 2024, and participated in the NBA Summer League, where he earned All-NBA Summer League Second Team honors. The selection and signing marked the beginning of his professional basketball career.
Clingan made his NBA debut on October 23, 2024, in a 140–104 loss to the Golden State Warriors. He recorded his first career start on November 12 in a victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The following night, he registered career highs of 17 points and 8 blocks in another win against the Timberwolves, showcasing his defensive prowess immediately. He finished the rookie season leading all first-year players in total blocks with 110 and blocks per game at 1.6. At season’s end, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2025, becoming the first Trail Blazers rookie since Damian Lillard to earn All-Rookie honors.
2025 Season Outlook
Heading into the 2025 season, Clingan was poised to take on an expanded role with the Portland Trail Blazers. The organization demonstrated its commitment to his long-term development by exercising his 2026–27 team option on October 21. After not being selected for the Rising Stars Challenge during his rookie season, Clingan earned an invitation to the 2026 Rising Stars Challenge at All Star Weekend in Inglewood, California, recognizing his growth and impact through his first full season. He brought the same defensive intensity and shot-blocking ability that defined his rookie campaign while continuing to develop his offensive skill set.
Driving Style and Strengths
Standing at 7 feet 2 inches with a wingspan that maximizes his impact near the basket, Clingan has established himself as an elite rim protector and shot-blocker at the NBA level. His defensive instincts and timing allow him to alter and reject opponents’ shots effectively, as demonstrated by leading all rookies in blocks during his debut season. Beyond his shot-blocking ability, Clingan excels on the offensive glass, using his size and positioning to create second-chance opportunities for his team. His combination of height, basketball IQ, and work ethic makes him a formidable presence on both ends of the floor as he continues to develop his game.
Notable Events and Milestones
The 2025 season brought several notable milestones for Clingan. He set the Trail Blazers franchise single-season records for total offensive rebounds with 347 and offensive rebounds per game with 4.5, leading the entire NBA in both categories. He also finished fifth in the league in blocks per game at 1.7. On March 18, 2026, he recorded a career-high 28 points in a victory against the Indiana Pacers, showcasing his developing offensive repertoire. These achievements highlighted his transition from a defensive specialist to a more complete player who can impact games on both ends of the floor.
Donovan Clingan Career Wins
Clingan has accumulated an impressive array of victories and honors throughout his basketball career, spanning his time in high school, college, and the professional ranks. His ability to perform at the highest levels has been evident throughout his journey from Connecticut high school star to NBA professional.
College and NBA Career Highlights
At UConn, Clingan achieved the pinnacle of college basketball success by winning back-to-back NCAA championships in 2023 and 2024 with the Huskies. In the 2023 championship game against San Diego State, he contributed 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block, and 2 steals in the 76–59 victory. His individual honors include Big East All-Freshman team recognition in 2023, AP Honorable Mention All-American in 2024, and NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2025. In the pros, he was selected for the 2026 Rising Stars Challenge and holds the Trail Blazers franchise record for most offensive rebounds in a single season. He scored a career-high 28 points against the Indiana Pacers on March 18, 2026.
Championships and Honors
Clingan’s championship pedigree was established during his time at UConn, where he was an integral part of two national championship teams. Beyond team success, he earned individual recognition at every level, from high school state championships and Gatorade Player of the Year honors to conference and national awards in college. His NBA All-Rookie Second Team selection in 2025 validated his transition to professional basketball and established him as one of the league’s most promising young centers. With his defensive capabilities and continuous improvement, Clingan appears headed for even greater accomplishments in his NBA career.
Donovan Clingan Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Donovan Clingan comes from a family with deep basketball roots. His mother, Stacey Porrini Clingan, was a standout basketball player at Bristol Central High School, where she set school records for career rebounds and blocks before continuing her playing career at the University of Maine. Stacey Clingan passed away from breast cancer in March 2018. To honor her memory and legacy, Donovan Clingan wore her jersey number 32 throughout his high school career and at UConn, carrying on her basketball tradition. His father, Bill Clingan, has been a constant source of support throughout his basketball journey.
Personal Life
Off the court, Clingan maintains a close friendship with Victor Rosa, who played football at UConn. Rosa was Clingan’s point guard during their high school years at Bristol Central and was a record-breaking football player in his own right. Their friendship continued through their respective collegiate careers at UConn. Clingan has one younger sister named Olivia. Known for his dedication and work ethic, Clingan has channeled his family’s basketball legacy into becoming one of the most promising young centers in professional basketball, honoring his mother’s memory through his achievements on the court.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant step forward in Clingan’s NBA career. He entered the season as the Portland Trail Blazers’ unquestioned starting center following his impressive rookie campaign. The organization demonstrated its long-term commitment to his development by exercising his 2026–27 team option early in the season. Clingan continued to showcase the defensive prowess that made him a standout, while also demonstrating improved offensive skills and comfort within the team’s system.
Throughout the season, Clingan set new franchise records, including leading the NBA in total offensive rebounds with 347 and offensive rebounds per game with 4.5. His defensive presence remained a cornerstone of his game as he finished among the league leaders in blocks per game. The Rising Stars Challenge invitation validated his growth as a player and recognized his impact during his second NBA season. As he continues to develop, Clingan has positioned himself as a potential cornerstone player for the Trail Blazers’ future.