Donovan Clingan’s Rise in the NBA
On February 22, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, Donovan Clingan, a 23-year-old center for the Portland Trail Blazers, displayed his skills at Mortgage Matchup Center, celebrating after making a shot against the Phoenix Suns. The Bristol, Connecticut native, known for his impressive collegiate career with the UConn Huskies, played a crucial role in capturing two national championships.
Collegiate Achievements
Clingan garnered accolades as the top backup big man in the country during the 2023 season and demonstrated his versatility in the 2024 championship run. Standing at an imposing 7 feet 2 inches tall, Clingan concluded his college career with impressive averages of 13 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, which led to him being selected 7th overall in the NBA Draft by the Blazers.
NBA Performance
Clingan’s inaugural NBA season saw him average 6.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, laying a solid foundation for his second year in the league. Currently, he has significantly elevated his performance, boasting averages of 11.8 points and 11.5 rebounds, and shooting at a remarkable 52.6% from the field. This improvement has earned him a regular spot in the Blazers’ starting lineup, enabling him to rank third in the NBA for rebounds, trailing only superstars Nikola Jokic and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Notably, Clingan’s efficiency is achieved in just over 27 minutes of play per game, with his contributions also including 1.5 blocks and 2.5 assists, a skill he showcased during his time with the Huskies.
Standout Performances
Clingan’s growth this season has been evident in several standout performances. He recorded a personal best of 24 points and 12 rebounds on January 3 against the San Antonio Spurs, a team vying for the NBA Finals. His evolving shooting skills have transformed his game; he is now a credible three-point shooter, having made 63 shots from behind the arc at a 34% success rate—an increase from his collegiate stats, where he only attempted two threes.
February emerged as a defining month for Clingan, as he averaged 14.3 points and 13 rebounds per game. He had a remarkable outing on February 12, scoring 23 points while pulling down 18 boards against the Utah Jazz. Clingan followed this performance with another strong game against the Suns, adding 23 points and 13 rebounds to his tally. Other highlights of the month included nearly achieving a double-double of 20-20 against the Memphis Grizzlies and a standout 16-rebound game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Off-Court Life and Challenges
Additionally, Clingan’s off-court life saw excitement during this period as he proposed to his high school girlfriend Madeline Ross. His former coach, Dan Hurley, humorously advised him on marriage:
“Just learn how to apologize.”
However, the season hasn’t been without its challenges. Just a few games prior, Clingan faced an ejection for the first time after a flagrant foul against Memphis player Olivier Maxence-Prosper. Despite ups and downs, he remains focused as the Blazers, currently 30-34, contend for a postseason spot, standing in 10th place in the Western Conference.
Looking Ahead
With the playoffs looming, Clingan is eager to prove himself and carry the momentum of his collegiate success into the professional arena, especially as he approaches the crucial March season—a time when he shone brightly as a Husky.
