Ranking the top 8 big men in the East Region

If UConn needed Donovan Clingan to score 20 points a game and to run the offense through the post, then the 7’2” sophomore would be up to the challenge. However, the Huskies might be the most talented team in the country, so Clingan, who was Sanogo’s backup last year on the title team, just plays his role. 

For now, that role is to set screens, rebound, and patrol the paint on defense. He does all three exceptionally well, averaging 12.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks.

Clingan dealt with an injury this season but was very effective in his 22.9 minutes a game when healthy. UConn learned how to survive when Clingan went down, moving Alex Karaban to the stretch five, and that versatility unlocked a new ceiling for the Huskies. 

UConn’s toughest matchup in the East Region will likely be Auburn in the Sweet 16 and the question will be if Clingan is quick enough to handle Auburn’s Johni Broome in the post. He may not be, but his size and strength will be an issue for Broome the other way. There isn't a potential matchup in the entire tournament I'm not excited to see than UConn and Auburn.