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Will Adama Sanogo and Donovan Clingan enter NBA Draft after NCAA Tournament?

By Tristan Freeman

Mar 10, 2022; New York, NY, USA; Connecticut Huskies forward Adama Sanogo (21) secures a rebound against the Seton Hall Pirates during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2022; New York, NY, USA; Connecticut Huskies forward Adama Sanogo (21) secures a rebound against the Seton Hall Pirates during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Adama Sanogo and Donovan Clingan were completely dominant in the NCAA Tournament, leading UConn to a likely title. Will they both enter the NBA Draft?

In the first half of the NCAA Tournament finals between UConn and San Diego State, the Huskies were very dominant, leading by as much as 18 points before taking a 36-24 lead at the halftime break. It was a balanced effort on the team, led by nine points from guard Tristen Newton.

But the stars for UConn were the big men duo of Adama Sanogo and Donovan Clingan. The starting center Sanogo led the team on the season with 17.2 ppg and 7.6 rpg and was an all-Big East player. He’s had a number of big performances and now as a junior could be a candidate to go pro.

Oddly enough, the second-best NBA Draft prospect on the roster (Jordan Hawkins is a projected lottery pick) is Clingan, who averages just 13 mpg off the bench. He’s a 7’2 pure center who is an elite shot-blocker and interior defender. The freshman had two different games with at least five blocks, with one coming along with 20 points and 10 rebounds on the road at Marquette.

Clingan is a projected top-45 pick if he were to come out but with the need for interior bigs, his stock may end up going higher. He reminds folks of Walker Kessler, who was one of the nation’s shot-blocker leaders at Auburn before getting drafted late in the first round to the Utah Jazz. He’s been a breakout rookie to the franchise and looked to be the right pick.

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Both players have a real case of going pro, especially if the Huskies finish off this national title. Neither really will have anything to prove at the college level. If one ends up leaving, it’s likely Sanogo but if both return, UConn could be the team to beat once again.