IN PICS: UConn stars Alex Karaban and Samson Johnson celebrate graduation
The UConn Huskies had a middling season by their standards. They won their first-round matchup against Oklahoma to advance and then nearly upset the eventual national champion Florida Gators, narrowly losing 77-75. So, although they did not live up to the previous two seasons, when they won back-to-back national championships, it was still a season to celebrate.
The Huskies had more reasons to celebrate after the season, as many of their players graduated and received their degrees. On Sunday, the UConn men's basketball team posted several photos on Instagram of stars Alex Karaban and Samson Johnson at their graduation ceremony.
"Our Guys!! Congratulations to the Class of 2025!" the post's caption read.
Alex Karaban and Samson Johnson were both members of the Huskies' national championship-winning teams in 2023 and 2024. This past season, they both played significant roles on the team. Karaban, in particular, had a strong season, averaging 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 blocks per game in his third season playing for UConn.
Johnson played his fourth season with the Huskies this past season, but only his second getting significant playing time. He had his best season yet, averaging 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.5 blocks per game.
What is next for UConn's Alex Karaban and Samson Johnson?
After the season, it appeared to be a strong possibility that neither Alex Karaban nor Samson Johnson would be back on the UConn Huskies next season. Both players had declared for the 2025 NBA draft. However, on April 29, Karaban decided to pull out of the NBA draft. He announced on X that he will return to the Huskies for his final season of NCAA eligibility.
"The last few years have been transformational for me as a person and player," Karaban wrote. "I am forever grateful to my coaching staff, my brothers, the fans, and the community at UConn for all of the memories we've made together. I pride myself on accepting challenges and holding myself to the highest standard.
"Last year, we didn't achieve what we set out to, and I am not running from a chance to make that right! After deliberating the last few weeks with my coaches and family about my future, I've realized that my heart remains in Storrs, and I have unfinished business to chase another national championship with my brothers. Let's run it back one last time."
Samson Johnson does not have the opportunity to return, as he is out of NCAA eligibility. He was not invited to the NBA combine but is still generating a bit of buzz. He is scheduled for workouts with several NBA teams, including the Jazz, Lakers, Bucks and Wizards.