Alex Karaban had a chance to leave UConn early for the NBA Draft, but opted to do something many talented college basketball players might not: return to play another season for their school.
After already winning two championships under Dan Hurley, he wanted to make a run at a third, and nearly achieved that in his fourth season as a member of the Huskies. Unfortunately, UConn fell to the Michigan Wolverines in the NCAA Tournament’s championship game, but Karaban battled to the end with his teammates.
That March Madness run, coupled with his others, helped boost his visibility heading into this year’s NBA Draft and helped his stock rise from a late-second-rounder to closer to a late-first-round pick.
And now he’s at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, Illinois, where he’s also improving his draft stock thanks to his impressive shooting, which has been the best among all prospects showing their talents there.
Being coached by a mastermind in college coaching, such as Hurley, is also a major factor in helping players develop, including current NBA stars like Portland Trail Blazers big man Donovan Clingan and San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle.
And although Karaban might not need any further endorsement, coach Hurley sent a strong message on his behalf on social media, praising his four-year star for the type of player and person he is.
“This Champion will make the NBA organization that drafts him better immediately…what team doesn't need/want: Production. Winner. Worker. Highest Character. Versatile. Super Intelligent. Competitive,” Hurley wrote in an X message.
Along with those powerful words, Hurley shared a list from Draft Express’s Jonathon Givony showing that Karaban shot 74.8 percent across various drills at the combine, leading all players at the event. Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz finished second with 74.6 percent.
Along with that, Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman recently listed Karaban amongst the winners so far at the draft combined. In particular, Wasserman noted that Karaban’s vertical jump improved by 5.5 inches this week compared to his previous number at the event two years ago.
That is a major improvement and something that should stand out to scouts, given some criticism of Karaban’s lack of explosive playmaking. The potential is certainly there for him to become a solid player in the league.
He averaged consistent scoring and rebounding over his four seasons with UConn, posting 13.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game this past season. His numbers last season were his best, but he helped his team reach the National Championship for a third time during his four years in college.
And coach Hurley knows him well, previously indicating he felt like Karaban was a son to him, so his strong words ahead of the NBA Draft should only further elevate his profile as a major endorsement for prospective teams.
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