The UConn Huskies are at it, hoping for an epic three-peat! But it’s not going to be easy, not after losing some of their biggest talents to the NBA. Key players Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, Tristen Newton, and Cam Spencer all headed for the pros, leaving some big shoes to fill. Yet, Alex Karaban never fails to keep fans and Coach Dan Hurley’s hopes alive.

Karaban and Clingan both joined the Huskies back in 2021, instantly proving they had what it took to elevate the team’s game. While Clingan left his mark before heading to the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers, the 21-year-old is still on the court, and he might just end up breaking some of Clingan’s records.

UConn beat writer David Borges shared on X that after the Huskies forward blocked an impressive seven shots against Sacred Heart, Clingan called his former teammate and said, “I didn’t leave school for you to break my shot-blocking record!” 

And while he did come close, the Huskies’ former’s single-game NCAA Tournament eight-block record set against Northwestern last on March 25, 2024, remains intact…for now. If he can get to seven now, two more might not be too far away by the time — and if — UConn makes it to the tournament. 

In the recent season opener against Sacred Heart, the Huskies dominated the game, winning 92-56, thanks in no small part to the 6’8 forward. He scored 20 points, dished out seven assists, grabbed six rebounds, and, obviously, nearly tied Clingan’s shot-blocking record. 

No doubt, HC Dan Hurley was all praise for Karaban after the game, calling his play “All-American” caliber. “Alex played like a Big East player of the year type,” Hurley said, adding that Karaban kept the team organized. But there were other Huskies shining bright, too. Liam McNeeley added 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Solo Ball chipped in with 16 points. Tarris Reed Jr. also came off the bench, contributing 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Well, these numbers surely look good for a team chasing a three-peat. And while the team is filled with talent, UConn’s success has a lot to do with Hurley’s unique coaching philosophy. 

UConn’s secret to Success? Alex Karaban reveals

The Huskies junior shared that Hurley’s mantra is all about “being obsessed.” This isn’t just about scoring or stacking up blocks but about staying laser-focused on improvement, keeping the drive alive. Even though the Huskies have snagged back-to-back championships, Hurley doesn’t let the team coast on past glory. 

The best he does is keeping them grounded, making sure they want more. “No matter how the past two years went…we want more,” the hooper shared. And the past proves that the head coach’s motivation isn’t just hype.

Since taking over in 2018, he’s built a culture around consistent improvement. Sure, they’ve tasted success – but Hurley’s got his sights set even higher. Karaban describes Hurley’s “hungrier for more” mentality as a way to stay on top even when they’re the reigning champs. With the 2023 Big East All-Freshman team taking on a leading role this season and Hurley’s relentless drive, UConn’s three-peat chase seems well within reach. And we won’t be surprised if the Huskies go down in history again this year.