NCAA Tournament 2023: One X-factor to watch from each Final Four team

UConn: C Donovan Clingan

Any player on the UConn Huskies roster can be the most important for the program, that’s the kind of roster Dan Hurley has constructed. When Adama Sanogo heads to the bench, however, look for Donovan Clingan to shine.

Clingan is arguably the most important freshman making his way down to the Lone Star State this weekend. He looms over much of the field at 7-foot-2 and he uses the force of his size to make an impact inside.

The true freshman is averaging 7.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. Those numbers look more impressive – particularly the latter – for the Bristol native when considering he’s playing only 13 minutes per contest.

Clingan tends to make the most of his limited minutes. Check out the first-round romp of Iona, when Clingan was a rebound away from a double-double despite only playing a lucky number 13 minutes.

There are some weaknesses to Clingan’s game. His size makes him prone to fouls and he’s not much of a free throw shooter or a three-point shooter. But he doesn’t have to be unassailable, considering his spot on the depth chart.

Sanogo is going to be able to get his during one or both of his team’s Final Four games. What makes UConn dangerous is that he can head to the bench and the opposition will still have a fearsome big man to deal with.

Donovan Clingan’s size alone could make him a legitimate prospect in the 2023 NBA Draft. Before that, however, he needs to be the X-factor for the UConn Huskies in the 2023 Final Four.