Dan Hurley elucidates how Alex Karaban is ready to become leader for UConn this season
Connecticut coach Dan Hurley believes redshirt junior Alex Karaban is ready to blossom into a leader for the Huskies this season. Karaban is the lone starter who returned from last year's UConn team that won the national championship.
With several top players like Donovan Clingan, Cam Spencer, Stephon Castle and Tristen Newton now in the NBA, the 6-foot-8 forward is expected to shoulder a bigger role compared to last season.
During his recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Hurley was asked if there is a "seasoned vet" who can elevate those around him.
"So we got this guy now, he'll be a three-year starter and the whole program changed a couple years ago when Alex Karaban entered the lineup," Hurley said. [7:50 mark]
"This guy is an All-American candidate, a potential Big East player of the year, and he's going to lead us this year both with his production, big-time shooter, versatile offensive player, super smart guy but really gives the group confidence so he's a critical player.
Karaban had to overcome a season-long injury in his freshman year. He has been a starter for Dan Hurley's team since the start of 2022-23. Last season was his best yet, averaging 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
Alex Karaban credits coach Dan Hurley as one of the reasons why he returned to UConn
UConn fans have high expectations from Alex Karaban this season. They believe he will be great at guiding and leading his younger teammates.
Karaban's leadership ability and maturity will be essential for a team that lost several key contributors from the previous season's roster. Although he initially entered the NBA draft this summer, he ultimately withdrew and decided to return to Storrs.
"I had a very busy summer. It was stressful," Alex told Fox61 during Big Wast Medida Day. "But when I woke up on that deadline day, I had that gut feeling that returning to Storrs was the best decision for me, and I have no regrets with that decision."
"I also just learned how much UConn has changed my life, has blessed me, and how Dan Hurley is one of a kind. You're not going to see many Coach Hurleys out there in the NBA."
Karaban was named in the preseason Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year watchlist. Analyst John Fanta also picked him as the seventh most exciting player to watch this season.