Getty Image / Michael Reaves
The UConn Huskies have absolutely dominated March Madness the last two years. They’ve won twelve straight NCAA Tournament games by double digits as they’ve captured back-to-back national titles under head coach Danny Hurley.
Like last year, UConn is set to have some pretty substantial losses from their national title team as players like Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan head to the NBA and Cam Spencer graduates. But, they just got a huge boost, as a star is set to return.
Star forward Alex Karaban had flirted with starting his NBA career next season, and declared for the draft while retaining his eligibility in April. But, on Wednesday, he announced that he would return to Storrs next year and try to lead UConn to a national title.
— Alex Karaban (@AlexKaraban) May 29, 2024
There’s no arguing that this is a huge development for UConn’s title hopes next year. Last year, he averaged 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game on great shooting numbers of 49/38/89. When you factor in his size at 6-foot-8, that’s a really valuable college players.
UConn has had a balanced scoring attack the last few years, but Karaban, a redshirt junior, will be a focal point of their attack this year. His versatility, size, and shooting will make him one of college basketball’s best players next year. I would assume that he will be a first-team preseason All-American next season.
The cupboard is far from bare in Storrs around Karaban. Hassan Diarra had a big role last year off the bench, and he will immediately step in as a starter. Freshman 5-star Liam McNeely should be a great scorer from day one, and St. Mary’s transfer guard Aidan Mahaney should fill the role that sharpshooter Cam Spencer had last year.
Karaban was projected to possibly to sneak into the back half of the first round.
Not since UCLA won seven in a row from 1967-1973 has a team won three in a row. But, with Alex Karaban back, UConn could do it.