- UConn Huskies’ Donovan Clingan is the most likely winner of the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player award.
- Clingan is skyrocketing on 2024 NBA Draft boards due to his effort in the NCAA Tournament.
- The UConn Huskies are favored to win the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
Connecticut Huskies’ center Donovan Clingan (+180) has the shortest odds to win men’s 2024 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors. According to BetOnline, Clingan is a +180 favorite to win the prestigious award at the end of the NCAA Tournament.
With this in mind, Clingan has an implied probability of 35.7% to win Most Outstanding Player. He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the East Region after leading the Huskies to four consecutive double-digit victories.
The 7-foot-2 native of Bristol, Connecticut, scored 22 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks, and three steals in the Huskies’ 77-52 Elite Eight win over the Illinois Fighting Illini.
He’s been a do-it-all center on both ends of the floor, with Clingan imperative to UConn’s defensive and offensive success. Through four games in the NCAA Tournament, Clingan has averaged 15.8 points, 10 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game.
Despite Clingan gaining a lot of attention during the NCAA Tournament, he did not win the 2023-24 Big East Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Year award. Providence’s Devin Crowder won the top individual honor in the conference to edge out Clingan.
Clingan’s MOP Odds Ahead of Zach Edey
Purdue’s Zach Edey has been the talk of the NCAA Tournament. As good as Clingan has been over the past two weeks, Edey has single-handedly led the Boilermakers to the Final Four.
The 7-foot-4 Edey has been a one-man wrecking crew for Purdue at the rim. He’s averaged a staggering 30 points, 16.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game. Additionally, Edey is shooting 65.6% from the field due to his high percentage attempts.
Nevertheless, Edey (+220) has the second-shortest odds to win Most Outstanding Player. The big man has an implied probability of 31.3% to win the award behind Clingan. It is not unprecedented for a player from a losing team to win the Most Outstanding Player.
10 players have lost in the Final Four, but still won the top individual honor. However, the last player to do so was Hakeem Olajuwon in 1983. It has been a while, so if you like Purdue to win the NCAA Men’s National Championship, then back Edey to win.
Conversely, if you like UConn then bet on Clingan to win.
Currently, UConn is a -190 favorite to win the NCAA Tournament. Therefore, the stronger value play would be to bet on Clingan at +180 rather than the Huskies at -190.
In addition to Clingan on the verge of winning the Most Outstanding Player, he is garnering attention from a plethora of NBA scouts.
Clingan’s Stock Rising On NBA Draft Boards
Prior to the NCAA Tournament, Clingan was projected as a borderline top-10 selection in the 2024 NBA Draft. Many mock drafts had him around the 15th to 10th pick of the upcoming draft this June.
Since his impressive performance in the Elite Eight, NBA Draft pundits have elevated Clingan’s status. According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, Clingan is projected to be selected by the Charlotte Hornets at No. 3.
Breaking out in the NCAA Tournament does not necessarily translate to success in the NBA. In such a weak draft class, especially as far as the college prospects are concerned, Clingan is receiving a solid boost from UConn’s dominance throughout March Madness.
Likewise, Edey has witnessed his draft stock rise. Previously regarded as a second-round pick, he has moved up to a top-20 selection. Edey’s mobility and vision are a concern at the next level compared to Clingan, but his monster stature might make him worth taking a chance on.
On Tuesday, Edey was named a finalist for the NCAA’s 2023-24 Wooden Award. The reigning Wooden Award winner is a heavy favorite to win the regular season honor. However, Clingan is the favorite to win the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player and is the more accomplished NBA prospect.
