NBA GM Likens UConn's Donovan Clingan to Rudy Gobert for Potential Defensive Impact

Donovan Clingan is two wins away from helping lead UConn to a second consecutive national championship, and he might have a fruitful NBA career waiting for him at the end of the run.

Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo of ESPN relayed the following tidbit on Monday: "One general manager asked ESPN recently, 'Rudy Gobert or Donovan Clingan?' regarding who will be the more impactful defensive player, which highlights a college player being compared to a three-time NBA defensive player of the year winner."

Clingan averaged 12.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.5 assists per game this season while shooting 64.3 percent from the field this season. He is a major reason the Huskies are the favorites to take home another national title and will have an opportunity to further prove himself on a national stage in Saturday's Final Four.

The big man just posted a double-double of 22 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks and three steals in the Elite Eight win over Illinois, underscoring his ability to impact the game in multiple ways and dominate on the defensive side.

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projected Clingan as the No. 7 overall pick in his most recent mock draft and also highlighted his defense.

"His rim protection feels like one of the most bankable strengths of any prospect's," Wasserman wrote. "And despite being limited offensively, he still provides scoring value with his finishing, putbacks and low-post game. And he's started to look more savvy with his passing."

Whichever team ends up with Clingan in the first round of the draft could have a defensive anchor for years to come.