Bill Clingan watched his son Donovan dominate an Elite Eight game, leading UConn to a second straight Final Four and earning the Most Outstanding Player award. Bill’s wife, Stacey, passed away from breast cancer almost six years ago, passing on her love of basketball to Donovan. Donovan’s performance against Illinois was remarkable, with 22 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks, and three steals in just under 22 minutes. He outscored Illinois 34-4 in the first 17 minutes on the court, helping UConn secure a 77-52 victory.
The Huskies have been unstoppable in the NCAA Tournament, winning 10 consecutive games by double digits. Against Illinois, they went on a 30-0 run after being tied late in the first half. Donovan Clingan was the standout player in this game, scoring the first seven points and dominating defensively against Illinois star Terrence Shannon Jr. Clingan’s impact on both ends of the court has been crucial for UConn, as they aim to repeat as national champions. His father, Bill, noted that Donovan is playing for his late mother and that she would be proud of his achievements.
While Clingan was a complementary player in UConn’s championship run last season, he has stepped up as a key player this year. Head coach Dan Hurley has relied on Clingan to be a game-changer, both defensively and offensively. Clingan’s performance against Illinois was reminiscent of basketball legend Bill Walton, as he dominated the game with his presence on the court. His impact has transcended his role as a player, making him a homegrown hero in Connecticut and a larger-than-life figure in the state.
Clingan’s ability to intimidate opponents and protect the rim has been instrumental in UConn’s success. Despite having other scoring threats on the team, Clingan’s presence on both ends of the court makes the Huskies a formidable opponent. His decision to stay in college and continue developing his game has paid off, as UConn is on the verge of making history by repeating as national champions. Clingan’s performance has earned him the nickname “Cling Kong” from Hurley, highlighting his impact on the team.
As UConn continues their impressive run in the NCAA Tournament, Clingan remains a focal point of their success. His combination of size, skill, and intensity on the court has made him a standout player in college basketball. With his mother watching from above, Clingan is motivated to achieve greatness in her honor. As UConn looks to finish the job and secure another national championship, Clingan’s contributions will be crucial in their quest for back-to-back titles.
