When Alex Karaban fired a deep three from the middle of the arc to put UConn four points ahead of the No. 1 seed Florida, it all seemed possible for the Huskies. They were playing some exceptionally well, and the winds seemed to be blowing their way, but it was not to be, as the No. 1 seed Gators showed their class and beat them in a close game, knocking Karaban and Co. out of the NCAA tournament in the second round itself. It seemed as if it was the last game in a Huskies shirt for two-time national champion Karaban, as he was expected to take the step up to the NBA.
“Surely he won’t forgo the draft a second time?” is what everyone thought going into the offseason but Karaban surprised us all as he is set to return to college for his final season. “I have unfinished business to chase another national championship with my brothers,” Karaban wrote in his announcement.
His choice reflects a growing trend where players like Karaban stay in college to boost their skills and draft stock, especially with lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Reports suggest Karaban’s NIL earnings are in the seven-figure range, giving him financial security while he hones his game.
The last season was the only one Karaban didn’t win after getting that trophy back-to-back. However, it’s his second time avoiding the NBA, which raises questions about whether he feels that he is not good enough. This national reporter has just said the bitter truth about Alex.
Rob Dauster, while talking about the change in Alex’s position last season, said on The Field of 68: After Dark, “I think that put him in a position that he struggled a little bit, right? Which is completely understandable. And it absolutely obliterated his confidence. You can see that with the shots he was actually making. When he was left open, when he had time to think about it, when he got into his own head, that’s when those shots didn’t go down.”
He further pointed out that this is the lowest Alex has ever been in his college career, saying, “He is now at a point his stock is as low as it’s been since he got to UConn, right?” Dauster also mentioned that Karaban was at his best last season when he did not have any time to think about it. Making those quick decisions got him out of his head and relying on his instincts, which have always been good.
Jan 18, 2025; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Hassan Diarra (10), guard Solo Ball (1), forward Alex Karaban (11) and forward Jaylin Stewart (3) on the court in the last seconds of the game against the Creighton Bluejays at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Karaban was named to the All-Big East second team this past season, averaging 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 blocks. His 3-point percentage has steadily dropped, going from 40.2 in 2022-23 to 34.7% this past season. His turnovers per game have also gone up to 1.3, which was 0.8 last season, indicating some sloppiness.
Despite the slight falloff, Karaban was still one of the best, although he wasn’t considered a first-round prospect in this year’s NBA draft class. In a mock draft from Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, the UConn star was projected to the Chicago Bulls at No. 45 overall.
It seems the past season wasn’t up to his high standards, as he is used to winning the silverware. “I pride myself on accepting challenges and holding myself to the highest standard,” is what he said in his announcement. Karaban wants to come back for more and show what kind of player he really is. His athleticism has always been a point of concern but he covered it with his IQ. If that’s getting affected because of his low confidence, it could have long-term effects on his prospects. So, it seems he wants to come back once more and do it right.
Alex Karaban never destined for the NBA?
There was a growing opinion among fans that had become popular last year when Karaban forwent the draft then too. People thought if any team was interested, it would have been then, as he had just come off back-to-back national championships. He did not go through the draft, which caused the fans to think that no team was in on him.
Dauster absolutely refuted that, saying, “When he decided to come back to school for his junior season, this past year, to go for the three-peat,. He had an offer on the table that would have given him seven figures guaranteed. It was not a small number; it was not a small offer. It was something he would have been: an NBA player with guaranteed money had he decided to go pro. And he decided to come back to school. And that’s because NBA teams recognize the talent that he has and the ability that he has, and the role that he can play at the next level.”
Karaban’s shooting, basketball IQ, and team-first mentality make him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking a reliable forward who can stretch the floor. Despite this, he has a lot to prove, as his unconventional shooting technique casts a doubt of whether he can do it against NBA-level defenders and he can’t create shots on his own, which leads to more questions.
He has taken a few steps back this season but it is clear that there is a spot for him in the NBA. It’s just the question of which: will he become a top 10 or even a top 20 overall pick after this season? Or his rating will even drop further? He has one season to prove himself worthy, as he mentioned in his announcement that this was his final season in college.
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