"It was really hard to play against him": UConn's Donovan Clingan lists Purdue's Zach Edey's best qualities ahead of 2024 NBA draft
UConn center Donovan Clingan gave Purdue's Zach Edey his props ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft. After their battle in the NCAA national championship game, the two big men are now draft hopefuls looking for their names to be called up to the pros--and Clingan certainly knows how good Edey is.
The man affectionately known by fans as "Cling Kong" gave a detailed, rather personal scouting report of Zach Edey obviously stemming from the time they matched up in the national championship game back in March. Here's what he had to say about the towering Canadian big man (via HoopsHype):
“His size, strength, physicality, and he scores the ball,” Clingan said. “He’s a great player. He’s tall and strong. It’s hard to move him in the post. He rebounds the ball at both ends at a high level. It was really hard to play against him. I want to go up against the best at the highest stage, so being able to go against Zach was an honor.”
For someone of Donovan Clingan's draft projection to say that about Edey is a massive bonus. The UConn big man is predicted to be at least a top 10 pick if not a lottery selection, with his size and rim protection being his biggest asset heading into the 2024 NBA Draft.
As one of the top centers in the NCAA last year, Donovan Clingan made a name for himself as a solid contributor on both ends of the floor. His pro comparisons include Clippers center Ivica Zubac and Spurs big man Jakob Poelt, though apparently, one NBA GM is going as far as to compare him to four-time DPOY Rudy Gobert due to his shot-blocking (via Bleacher Report).
Either way, Clingan`s name is still likely among the first ones to be called come draft night. Zach Edey, on the other hand, might go a tad lower.
Where will Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey end up?
Both Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey impressed in their own way at the recently concluded Draft Combine. As a result, the two big men`s draft stock saw improvements, though perhaps Edey's draft stock was far more improved compared to where his name was some time ago.
ESPN's latest mock draft has the UConn big man going at sixth overall to the Charlotte Hornets. ESPN's Jeremy Woo says Clingan is arguably the top rim protector in the draft and that picking him at No. 6 would be a "coup" for Charlotte.
Edey, on the other hand, could now go as high as the 14th overall pick to the Portland Trail Blazers.