Donovan John Clingan (born February 23, 2004) is an American professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers. Standing 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) tall and weighing 280 pounds, Clingan is a dominant center known for his shot-blocking, rebounding, and presence in the paint. He played college basketball for the UConn Huskies, helping the team win back-to-back NCAA championships in 2023 and 2024.
Quick Facts
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Donovan John Clingan |
| Date of Birth | February 23, 2004 |
| Age | 21 (2025) |
| Place of Birth | Bristol, Connecticut, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m) |
| Weight | 280 lb (127 kg) |
| Position | Center |
| College | UConn (2022–2024) |
| NBA Team | Portland Trail Blazers (2024–present) |
| NBA Draft | 2024 / 1st Round / 7th Overall |
| Career Highlights | 2× NCAA Champion, NBA All-Rookie Second Team, AP Honorable Mention All-American |
| Net Worth | ~$100,000 |
| Endorsements | F45 South Training, Incrediwear, Skims, Panini America, Dunkin, RITZ, Stephen Toyota |
| Marital Status | Not specified |
Early Life and High School Career
Clingan grew up in Bristol, Connecticut, and attended Bristol Central High School, where he led the team to a state championship in 2022. He averaged 27.3 points, 17.2 rebounds, and 5.8 blocks per game as a junior, earning Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year honors. In his senior year, he improved to 30.3 points, 18.4 rebounds, and 6.2 blocks per game, repeating as Gatorade Player of the Year.
He committed to UConn on July 2, 2021, choosing the Huskies over several top programs including Michigan, Ohio State, and Georgetown.
College Career
Clingan began at UConn as a backup center behind Adama Sanogo. He earned a spot on the Big East All-Freshman Team in 2023 and contributed to UConn’s 76–59 victory in the 2023 NCAA championship game with 4 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block, and 2 steals.
He became the starting center in his sophomore season, although he missed time due to a foot injury in December 2023. Clingan returned in January 2024, averaging 13 points and 7.4 rebounds per game that season. On April 12, 2024, he declared for the NBA Draft, forgoing remaining college eligibility.
Professional Career: Portland Trail Blazers (2024–Present)
Clingan was selected 7th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Choosing jersey 23 in honor of his own preferences (as 32 is retired for Bill Walton), he signed with the team on July 4, 2024.
He made his NBA debut on October 23, 2024, in a 140–104 loss to the Golden State Warriors. In his rookie season, he averaged 6.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2025.
Personal Life
Clingan is the son of Bill and Stacey Porrini Clingan and has a younger sister, Olivia. His mother, a former basketball standout at Bristol Central and the University of Maine, passed away from breast cancer in 2018. Clingan wore his mother’s number, 32, in her honor during his high school and college career.
Endorsements and NIL Deals
Clingan has signed NIL deals with F45 South Training, Incrediwear, Skims, Panini America, Dunkin, RITZ, and Stephen Toyota, with a reported ON3 NIL valuation of $800,000 in 2024.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2024, Donovan Clingan net worth is estimated at $100,000, reflecting his early professional earnings, college accolades, and endorsements. While salary details from Portland are private, Clingan’s potential growth in the NBA could significantly increase his income.
