UConn F Alex Karaban to test draft, maintain eligibility

Forward Alex Karaban, a key member of UConn’s back-to-back national championship teams, will test the NBA draft waters but keep his eligibility.

Karaban, who started 77 of 78 games the past two seasons, announced his decision via social media on Thursday.

“Thank you to my family and friends for all of the countless sacrifices and constant support throughout my career — especially during the ups and downs,” Karaban wrote.

In the just-concluded season, Karaban averaged 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. In his two seasons at UConn, he posted averages of 11.3 points and 4.8 rebounds.

“Thank you (to the Huskies coaching staff) for your belief in me and giving me the opportunity to play at UConn,” he added. “You guys have pushed me not only to be a better player, but also have helped me become a better man. My experience here has exceeded my expectations and I am blessed to be part of back-to-back national championships.”

In the 2024 Final Four, Karaban posted 14 points and eight rebounds against Alabama to help UConn reach the national championship game against Purdue. He had five points, six boards and four assists as the Huskies topped the Boilermakers for the national title.

Karaban scored 20 or more points eight times this season.