Dan Hurley didn’t hold back. After UConn’s unexpected Big East Tournament loss to Villanova, he stood tall at the podium, his words cutting through the noise to defend his own. “One of the greatest players in UConn history,” he said, speaking of Alex Karaban. A back-to-back NCAA champion. A captain. A glue guy. The redshirt junior was deserving. However, as much of a celebrated player as Storrs has made him be, one big question still looms. The clock’s ticking, and fans aren’t being kind. Or going by history, maybe they are.

Almost a year ago, in May, Karaban made an announcement that had everyone in Connecticut rejoice– he was coming back for one more year. He was only one of the previous year’s UConn starters to return. He had an opportunity to etch history, become the winningest college player, and build on his draft stock for whenever that would be needed. Hurley trusted him, too. With a leader’s role this time.

The head coach would say Alex needed to rise to the expectation, “in terms of standing in the sport, career claim, and the draft objectives he’s aiming for.” But while he did take the lead, maybe not as intensely as Hurley would have envisioned, the season just did not prove enough. If anything, Karaban might have even found himself on the low, draft concerns looming large. It’s either that or the hunger to run it back once more, the star forward has remained indecisive.

“I’ve been at UConn for a while, and I just love this place so much,” Karaban said during his basketball camp at Newton. “It’s hard to leave a place you love, but at the same time, it’s also my dream to go to the NBA… I’m just not really too sure on what to do. I want to do it relatively soon.”

The UConn standout has until April 26 to make his decision. But fans notice hesitation. After averaging 14.3 points per game with a remarkable 43.8% field goal percentage, Karaban doesn’t exactly find himself high up in the draft projections. No doubt he has been a crucial presence for the Huskies. After he went down at Maui with a head injury, Liam McNeely had to say: “A lot of guys had to step up because Alex brings so much.” 

But scouts still have doubts. His draft projections currently hover in the late second round. So whatever Karaban bases his decision on, it is understandable. Hurley does, too. “It’s a tougher decision for these kids that are at the end of the first round into the second round on what do I do,” the UConn coach said. “I think it’s more complex that way, but Alex is a smart kid.” So the staff isn’t pushing him. “We’re leaving him alone.” 

Karaban’s camp will weigh their options. He could test the waters, get feedback from NBA teams, and still return—just like others have done before. But the temptation to go now would be real. Not just for the dream, but for the grind. He’s put in the work. He’s ready to be a pro. But he also knows what he’d be walking away from or walking into. Because, winning somehow isn’t enough. Just look at what happened to Tristen Newton—a UConn legend in his own right who barely heard his name called on draft night.

That’s the danger Karaban faces. There are too many names. Too much competition. So while the forward is still considering his options, the fans have decided his fate for him.

Fans Weigh In: The Pressure on Alex Karaban’s Future and UConn Legacy

Just a year ago, Alex Karaban was everything UConn fans could hope for. Cool under pressure, always in the right spot, knocking down crucial shots. But the season did not exactly turn out to be his best, exposing a few flaws, taking away the three-feat hopes a little too early. So while fans accept him as a UConn star for all that he has achieved, they do not place him on the pedestal just yet. 

“You can’t be a true UConn legend if you leave on a sour note. Alex doesn’t need to win another championship, but a solid season (and not struggling to inbound the ball) will help cement his legacy. If they win another championship, he goes down as one of the best in history,” one opined. They aren’t completely wrong. Karaban just hadn’t been aggressive enough offensively this past season, requiring Hurley to call him out on his shooting more than once. Plus, aiming for another title would indeed make him one of the winningest– something he had initially come back for. 

“If he was smart, he would stay in college…he’s not ready for the league,” another added. The last time he won a championship, only two more on the Huskies roster were averaging more than Karaban– Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer. You know where they landed in NBA. 49th overall and 53rd overall. Now, with a dip in shooting this past season, chances aren’t looking very good for the forward either. 

“He’s not an nba player at all so the decide should be easy,” one comment read. It hasn’t just been about the stats. NBA is about toughness and physicality too. So even if Karaban ticks one box, aggresion and intensity hasn’t been his stronger point. As much as Hurley is proud of his forward, he wouldn’t deny that matter either.

“IMO, needs to comeback otherwise he’s a D Leaguer at this point,” next fan opined. Karaban’s ability to contribute in a complementary role shouldn’t be seen as a negative. Plenty of NBA stars have built successful careers as role players—guys like Harrison Barnes and Pau Gasol have proven that there’s a place in the league for players who contribute in different ways. Karaban might not be the first option on a team, but he has the skills to be valuable.

Finally, one fan wrapped up the conversation perfectly with simple 3 words, “Make a decision.” The pressure’s on, no doubt. Karaban’s next move could significantly impact his legacy. While Hurley is already convinced the forward has made his mark, there’s a long road ahead that could redefine. But, if continuing as a player in the league doesn’t work out, Karaban could be looking at coaching positions. That’s a role, he believes he’d enjoy.