Dan Hurley has never been one to mince words, and he certainly isn’t about to start now. When asked about Alex Karaban’s future in the NBA, the UConn head coach was quick to dismiss the notion—at least for the time being. Hurley has made it clear that he sees Karaban as a special talent, calling him “the winningest player in college basketball, one of the greatest players in UConn history.” But when it comes to the karaban’s importance to the huskies, his response was sharp and unwavering: not now.
During a media day interview on March 4, 2025, Hurley was asked about Karaban’s contributions to the program and where he fits in the bigger picture. His response was definitive:
“Yeah, not anytime soon. You know, not until we get to a point where he’s exhausted his, you know, his career here and he’s made that move. Until they sit in the office with me at that moment when they go to the NBA, I don’t really think about it unless, you know, the guy’s done. I mean, it was like, even though he could have talked Donovan [Clingan] into coming back for a third year, he said that on the record too. And then he’s, you know, Steph, you know, like when you have the guys, you know, they’re done. Tristan, and then it gets real emotional for you.”
Dan Hurley on when he’ll think about how much Alex Karaban has meant to UConn with Karaban set to participate in Senior Night:
“Not any time soon.” pic.twitter.com/N4I1pv8UM3
— Storrs Central (@StorrsCentral) March 4, 2025
Hurley’s stance echoes his past decisions. When Donovan Clingan, now playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, entertained the thought of returning for another year, Hurley had no interest in letting him stay. Clingan himself recalled the conversation: “I went into Coach Hurley’s office and I was like, ‘Yo coach, I’ll come back, I’ll go for another one.’ He’s like ‘You’re out of your mind, bro, get the hell out of here.’ And I guess I had to go.”
Karaban’s decision to return for another season at UConn has been met with mixed reactions, particularly given his growing NBA stock. As a redshirt junior, Karaban has been a steady force for the Huskies, averaging 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game on 43.4% shooting. His leadership and consistency have been invaluable, especially in a season where UConn had to integrate new faces and adjust to the departures of key players.
Yet, for all his accomplishments, Hurley remains focused on the present.
Dan Hurley wants Alex Karaban locked in on another championship run
He expects Karaban, along with Hassan Diarra and Samson Johnson, to step up as the team gears up for the postseason. “Yeah, I mean, he has to, he has to, Hassan has to, Samson has to, you know, those guys that are champions, two-time champions and, you know, have Big East championships.”
Karaban’s journey has always been unconventional. He joined UConn early, accelerating his high school graduation to redshirt in 2022. His patient approach paid off, leading to a breakout freshman season and a critical role in UConn’s national championship run. His buzzer-beating shots in the 2023 NCAA Tournament and his dominant performances in the 2024 title run cemented his legacy.
Dec 21, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Connecticut Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) and forward Liam McNeeley (30) high-five after defeating the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Despite his growing reputation, Karaban has remained grounded. His participation in UConn’s Senior Day festivities was not even a decision he made himself (as reported by CT insider). “I got a text message from Paul being like, ‘You’re going to do Senior Night,’ so I was like, ‘All right,’” Karaban said, referring to UConn’s director of basketball administration, Paul Wettemann III. “That’s kind of how I found out. I didn’t really know, so it was kind of a surprise to me. But I’ll do it. I am graduating this year. Obviously, that’s exciting. I still do have another year, athletically. It’s a cool honor to do Senior Day. If I’m told to do it, I’ll do it.”
Karaban’s impact goes beyond stats. He has been the steadying force for a program that has thrived on high-intensity play. He was a pivotal piece in back-to-back national championships and the face of UConn’s consistency over the past three seasons.
“UConn’s Alex Karaban continues to impress with his all-around contributions. Despite some physical limitations, he consistently knocks down shots and makes winning plays—it’s easy to envision him as a productive complementary player in the NBA,” said Matt Babcock, an NBA Draft Analyst.
For now, though, Hurley isn’t ready to entertain that conversation. The focus remains on the present, on another deep tournament run, on the legacy Karaban is still building at UConn. And when the time comes for Karaban to sit in Hurley’s office and discuss the NBA, only then will the coach be ready to let him go.
Until then, there’s more basketball to be played, more championships to chase, and for Dan Hurley, no time to talk about the future.
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