In lieu of current struggles at the center position, the class of 2022 has that avenue covered. Also, Marek Dolezaj and Bourama Sidibe are gone in a couple years which leaves a spot open under the hoop in the 2-3 zone. The player who could fill that role is Donovan Clingan. 
He hasn’t garnered the same attention of 2022 recruits Brandon Huntley-Hatfield or Zion Cruz, but in all estimation, he should. The 7’1”, 265-pound big man can do it all and has done just that for Bristol Central. He’s ranked 49th and a four-star in ESPN’s top 60 players in the class of 2022.
If that’s not convincing enough, look at this statline he put up a couple days ago.
Consistency isn’t a question with Clingan either. He put up an eerily similar stat line in a game last year.
After a very early look at his game, this is what I can delineate:
- Dominates inside, imposes his will using both his height and strength
- Most comfortable on the block or in the paint (has a variety of post moves in his arsenal)
- Can finish with either hand
- Has a smooth jump shot
- Great court vision at the block, draws double teams which opens up shooters and cutters
- Keen ability on the defensive side, picks his spots to contest (doesn’t just hack at everything)
- Tough down low and follows up all of this shots
- Good hands in the paint and even better footwork, controlled with his moves near the basket
There’s a lot to like about this recruit. SU felt the same way and as a result, were Clingan’s first D1 offer. Jim Boeheim, Adrian Autry and Gerry McNamara all keep in contact with the center from Connecticut. Back in December, Clingan said his relationship with Syracuse’s staff is strong.
It seems like a match made in heaven if you’re a Syracuse fan, but the center knows his worth. Clingan has over 14 offers including the Orange. The early consensus sees the stat-stuffer in a Michigan or UConn jersey, according to 247 Sports. Keep him on the recruit radar though, especially with the lack of stellar play SU has at the center spot, and the immediate impact the 2022 graduate could make.
