Syracuse Basketball: 4-star Donovan Clingan caring nature, elite skill-set

When covering high-school prospects, the focus tends to center on what these young men can do on the court, but how Syracuse basketball high-priority target Donovan Clingan is off the court is equally as appealing, in my humble opinion.

The 2022 four-star big man is undeniably talented. The 7-foot-1 center capped off a brilliant junior season for Bristol Central High School in Bristol, Conn., by picking up multiple big-time honors.

He is scheduled to take an official visit to the Hill in the near future, and the Orange is among Clingan’s eight finalists, along with Michigan, Ohio State, Georgetown, Connecticut, Providence, Rutgers and fellow Atlantic Coast Conference member Notre Dame.

Naturally, I hope that Clingan chooses the ‘Cuse. So do many other Orange fanatics. But a recent interview given by the founder of Clingan’s AAU team sheds some light on who Clingan is away from the court, and it’s absolutely worth a read.

Josh Henschke of The Michigan Insider on the 247Sports Web site recently talked with Joe Chatman, who is the founder/co-director of the Boston-based Team Spartans.

Chatman describes Clingan as someone who possesses high character, and who is caring and thoughtful. “Always somebody that wants to look out for others and is caring about others. Probably one of the most unselfish kids I have ever coached,” Chatman said.

Syracuse basketball four-star prospect Donovan Clingan is a young man to admire.

Clingan’s mom passed away when he was 14 years old, according to Chatman, adding that Clingan has “persevered through a lot of heartbreak as a young kid.”

The main recruiting services rank Clingan as a top-60 player nationally within the 2022 cycle, as well as a top-10 center around the country.

Chatman says that, over the past year, Clingan has worked hard to improve his athleticism and his strength. He can shoot from the perimeter, but Clingan is stellar in the paint, according to Chatman.

"Chatman noted, in part, “When you’re talking about back to the basket, again, I don’t think there’s anybody else in the class (better). We play pretty much everyone in the country at this point with a top-5, top-10 center. Nobody has the skill set that he does. He’s an elite passer, not just a good passer, an elite passer.”"

I’ve always had a lot of respect for Clingan. He seems to be quite driven, confident and humble. Whether it’s Syracuse basketball or one of his other finalists, whichever program lands Clingan will prove extremely fortunate.