After all the hustle and grind, imagine finally getting your shot at the NBA—it’s the ultimate dream for any college basketball player. Now, picture this: you’re just inches away from that dream, but at the last minute, you pull out of the draft. Not just before the deadline, but after it. That’s the kind of bold, unexpected move Alex Karaban made, flipping the script on what everyone thought was a sure path to the pros.

At 6 feet 8 inches, Karaban is a force to be reckoned with on the court, playing Forward for the UConn Huskies. A well-known name in college hoops, his skills and dedication have never been in question. But what really has people talking is his decision to step back from the NBA draft and return to UConn—a move so unconventional that it has everyone buzzing.

So, why did he do it? One look at Alex’s basketball journey, and the answer starts to come into focus. It’s not just about making it to the NBA—it’s about mastering the game, building on what’s already an impressive resume, and setting himself up for something even bigger. Karaban’s choice shows he’s playing the long game, and with his talent and mindset, he’s far from done making waves in the basketball world

Early career: The Foundations of a Future Star

Alex Karaban’s basketball journey began in Northborough, Massachusetts, where his towering height and natural talent quickly set him apart from his peers. His early years were spent honing his skills at St. Andrew’s School in Rhode Island, where he caught the attention of national scouts. But Karaban’s leap into the elite ranks of high school basketball came when he transferred to IMG Academy in Florida—a prestigious institution known for producing top-tier athletes across sports.

At IMG, the competition was fierce, but it was also where Karaban’s game reached new heights. His offensive and defensive abilities sharpened as he faced some of the best young players in the country. By the time he graduated, Karaban had earned a solid reputation as a consensus four-star recruit. College basketball programs from coast to coast, including heavyweights like Notre Dame, Florida State, and Duke, were all after him.

Despite the array of tempting offers, Karaban chose to join the UConn Huskies. His decision wasn’t just about prestige—it was a calculated move to align with a program he believed in, especially its strength and conditioning systems. More importantly, he saw an opportunity to grow under the guidance of Coach Dan Hurley. While IMG Academy had prepared him for the rigors of college basketball, it was at UConn where his game truly transformed, cementing his place as one of the most exciting prospects to watch.

College: UConn and the Championship Legacy

Making unconventional choices is probably second nature to Karaban. Joining UConn as an early-entry redshirt in the spring semester of 2022 was nothing different—he had accelerated his high school graduation to join the team early. One might have expected the 22-year-old basketball star to make an immediate splash, but he didn’t do that either. Instead, he opted to redshirt his first year and spent his first year training, refining his skills, and adapting to the intensity of collegiate basketball. 

Karaban’s behind-the-scenes efforts paid off in the best ways when he debuted as a redshirt freshman in the 2022-2023 season. From the moment he set foot on the court, he was a massive force to be reckoned with. His tall stature and shooting abilities made him one of the key players in UConn’s offensive and defensive schemes. Karaban earned a unanimous selection to the Big East All-Freshman Team— a testament to his growing dominance in college basketball. 

As a redshirt freshman, Karaban played one of the most pivotal roles in the Huskies’ run to the national championship. He also started in the 2023 national title game, where UConn triumphed with a whopping 76-59 score. That wasn’t all, though. No UConn player has ever won three national championships or appeared in three Final Fours. Shabazz Napier, Niels Giffery, and Tyler Olander have won two titles as freshmen in 2011 and seniors in 2014— and Karaban has already matched their accomplishments. 

There was no slowing down Karaban in the 2023-2024 season, either.  His ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting (nearly 40% from beyond the arc) and defensive versatility made him indispensable for UConn. They stormed to a 37-3 record (following up on their one-year prior 31-8 finish), won two back-to-back national championships, 52 out of 57 games, and consistently defeated opponents by significant margins in the NCAA Tournaments. Karaban was a key player throughout it all; no surprises there.

 The Redshirt Sophomore started 77 of 78 games over two seasons and was the team’s leader in minutes played during his sophomore year.  He averaged 11.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, including another set of standout performances in his sophomore season, when he averaged 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and a remarkable 49.5% field-goal shooting. 

His steady performance and leadership solidified his role as one of UConn’s most reliable players. With coaches like Kimani Young, Luke Murray, and Hurley praising him everywhere, his future seemed destined for even greater heights. But then, he had a change of heart. 

“Storrs is home. Let’s run it back”: The Shocking NBA Draft Decision

By the end of his sophomore season, Alex Karaban had a crucial decision to make—whether to declare for the 2024 NBA Draft or return to UConn for another year. His growing reputation in college basketball had caught the attention of NBA scouts. Plus, he demonstrated his basketball skills at the NBA Combine in Chicago, making him a strong candidate for selection. His performance made him seen as a player who could immediately contribute to the next level of the team he joined. 

It was on Karaban to weigh the potential of starting a professional career against the opportunity for further development at the collegiate level. Ultimately, the stabilizing force of the UConn chose to withdraw from the NBA draft– that, too, after the deadline had passed. His decision, however surprising, was also a strategic one. “While I’ve enjoyed the Draft process, Storrs is home. Let’s run it back,” he posted on his Instagram. 

The UConn Forward’s return to the Huskies allows him to refine his skills further, take on a more prominent role, and even pursue a historic third consecutive national championship for UConn. The unprecedented three-peat feat has only ever been achieved by Bill Walton’s UCLA teams of the 1970s. 

Could the Huskies be the next to achieve the coveted three-peat feat? If they manage to pull this off with their team’s powerhouse back, Alex Karaban’s name could go down in college basketball history, perhaps making him the one to become UConn’s greatest.