Imagine being a two-time champion, fighting for a three-peat, and feeling least worried (not content, though) because you know all the stars are aligned just right. That’s pretty much what head coach Dan Hurley is saying as he leads the UConn Huskies into another season. Well, that confidence after losing seven starters and nine rotation players to the NBA in the last 2 years is definitely something big. 

Despite losing four starters to the NBA, the Huskies are ranked No. 3 in the AP Top 25 preseason poll. However, Hurley isn’t basking in that third-place glow. When a reporter asked why it is so, he answered, “I think some of it is persona and just the external that I like to create for my players.”

“This gotta be some level of insecurity, being unsatisfied with where you at, that drives you on a daily basis. It’s nice to be ranked third, but as back-to-back defending national champs, that proved from championship one to championship two that we could use lose the majority of the team and come back and even be stronger.”

Although the coach aims for a bigger fish, this is their highest ranking in the preseason since 2008. Now, they are on a mission to become the first team since UCLA to win three consecutive national championships. Sure, they lost four starters, including NBA lottery picks Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan. 

Also, the second-round picks Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer. But thankfully, they’ve still got some talent in the mix. With Alex Karaban returning and some young guns like sophomore Jaylin Stewart. The 21-year-old Karaban has truly been an asset, and the Huskies couldn’t be happier about his return. 

Alex Karaban’s big decision to stay with Dan Hurley & Co.

Alex Karaban’s decision not to jump into the NBA draft after a standout season was quite brave. As a forward for the Huskies, his choice to refine his skills and make his mark with UConn once again is looking smarter day by day. And it surely was a calculated one. 

After a strong performance during the season and the NBA Combine, he had the scouts’ attention. But rather than jump ship, he wanted to grow under Coach Dan Hurley’s guidance. “While I’ve enjoyed the Draft process, Storrs is home. Let’s run it back,” he shared on Instagram.

Over the years, the Huskies star was at the forefront. Starting in the national title game last season, his shooting and defensive skills stood out, helping lead the Huskies to a 76-59 win. He earned unanimous selection to the Big East All-Freshman Team. In the 2022-2023 season, he averaged 11.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. But in sophomore season, he surpassed his own records, averaging 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and an impressive 49.5% shooting from the field. 

He is much more than those numbers, but they do scream potential. So, here he is, on the verge of possibly making history. Coach Hurley believes in the depth of talent available, and with Alex Karaban leading, UConn fans can be optimistic about what’s coming ahead.