UConns Adama Sanogo declares for 2023 NBA Draft: Where do the Huskies go from here?

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UConn forward Adama Sanogo is entering the 2023 NBA Draft, he announced on social media Thursday. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Sanogo averaged 17.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game last season for the Huskies.
  • The 6-foot-9 junior was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player while the Huskies captured their fifth title in program history.
  • The first-team All-Conference selection shot 60.6 percent from the field in 2022-23.

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

What is Sanogo’s legacy?

Sanogo climbed a ladder and cut off a piece of the net in Houston with the likes of Ray Allen, Emeka Okafor and Kemba Walker watching from the floor. Now he’ll be one of those guys, should UConn ever capture a sixth national title. Sanogo’s work ethic set the standard for the rebuild under Dan Hurley’s watch — according to Hurley himself — and his production anchored the Huskies’ dominant run in the NCAA Tournament. He’s an all-timer in Storrs. — Hamilton

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What now for UConn?

Here comes Donovan Clingan, the 7-foot-2 freshman who served as Sanogo’s understudy in 2022-23 and who in theory assumes a central role as a sophomore. Best case? Clingan is Zach Edey redux. Though he averaged less than 14 minutes per game, Clingan’s production translated to 21.1 points, 17.1 rebounds and 5.5 blocks when extrapolated over 40 minutes. Take it for what it’s worth, but Clingan’s Bayesian Performance Rating (6.05) ranked second nationally only to Edey’s 6.80 last season, per Evan Miyakawa’s metrics.

Bigger picture, the Huskies have holes to fill with Sanogo and sharpshooter Jordan Hawkins departing, but this was expected attrition. If versatile wing Andre Jackson runs it back in Storrs, a core of Jackson, Clingan and point guard Tristen Newton — plus the nation’s No. 4 recruiting class, per 247 Sports — then UConn starts next season as a top-10 or top-5 team. — Hamilton

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(Photo: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)

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