Photo essay by Laura Bailey

Millions of basketball fans will tune in around the country on Saturday night to watch the 4th-seeded UConn Huskies (29-8) take on the 5th-seeded Miami Hurricanes (29-7) in the NCAA Men’s Final Four.

Here in Bristol, a city of 60,000 people, all eyes will be on hometown hero Donovan Clingan.

Clingan became an early season standout for the Huskies, racking up 15 points and 10 rebounds to be named tournament MVP in the championship game of the Phil Knight Invitational in November. The 7’2″ center continued to play an integral role in UConn’s successful 22-23 season, boasting a 65.5 field goal percentage. 

_{Donovan Clingan scores a personal best 51 points against Windsor on Feb. 10, 2022. | Laura Bailey Photo}

While playing in the Big East is a new experience for Clingan, his success during March tournaments is nothing new. 

On March 19, 2022, Clingan powered the Bristol Central Rams (28-0) to a Division II High School State Championship at Mohegan Sun Arena. The senior captain led the way with 45 points, 28 rebounds and 6 blocked shots to a 63-56 victory over Northwest Catholic

^{Donovan Clingan his his 2,000th career point against Bristol Eastern on Feb. 21, 2022. | Laura Bailey Photo}

Clingan’s high school career was one of broken records and extraordinary achievements, including winning the prestigious Gatorade Player of the Year award twice (2021 and 2022).  

During his senior season, Clingan averaged 30.3 points, 18.4 rebounds and 6.2 blocks per game. Throughout the 21-22 season, he scored multiple triple-doubles and set a personal record of 51 points scored in a single game, against Windsor. 

Before a packed crowd at the Thomas M. Monahan Gymnasium, Clingan claimed his 2,000th career point during the cross-town classic at Bristol Eastern High School. He finished his senior year as the 7th all-time high school Connecticut scorer. 

_{Donovan Clingan embraces Bristol Central Boys Basketball Coach Tim Barrette exiting the State Championship game on March 19, 2022. | Laura Bailey Photo}

While his athletic achievements are nationally recognized, Clingan will always be known around Mum City as a beloved member of the community.

Bristol residents had the opportunity to get to know Donovan Clingan an active volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club, a happy athlete who sings to himself during practices, and a role model who visited area elementary schools to inspire local children.

_{Donovan Clingan smiles during practice drills at Bristol Central High School. | Laura Bailey Photo}

Laura Bailey can be reached at lbailey@bristoledition.org

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