“Learned from and followed from the best”: College hoops fans react to Alex Karaban accidentally recreating a Paige Bueckers hype moment
Alex Karaban caused a stir on social media following UConn's season opener against the Sacred Heart Pioneers on November 6. During the game, one of Dan Hurley's most trusted players enjoyed a moment with Huskies fans at the Harry A. Gampel Pavillion, which triggered flashbacks of a moment created by women's basketball superstar, Paige Bueckers.
Karaban's photo looked quite similar to a photo of Bueckers from March 2022, when she celebrated in front of the Storrs faithful during a game against the UCF Knights.
Fans drew similarities between the two pillars of UConn's basketball programs, praising Bueckers for the immense aura she created when she celebrated with fans over two years ago.
One fan exclaimed, "He learned from and followed from the best. Go UConn!!!"
"He ain’t touching Paige. She the GOAT," said another fan.
Another fan added, "Paige’s is never getting old 😂 Such an iconic moment. Whoever captured that photo deserved a raise."
While some fans took Bueckers' side, others backed Hurley's most trusted player in his current roster.
"I’m all for women’s sports but “bud” won two national championships and Paige has zero," said one fan.
"He's a back to back champion though. We gotta em respect. Love my Lady Huskies always," said another.
Another fan added, "karaban tuff thoo."
Alex Karaban shines in UConn's season opener
Dan Hurley's side lost some top talents to this year's NBA draft and the transfer portal, the biggest ones being Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle. Alex Karaban, who convinced Hurley to reject a mammoth offer from the Los Angeles Lakers to stay at Storrs, is the lone returning starter for the Huskies this season as they chase a rare three-peat.
Karaban shone in the Huskies' 92-56 victory over the Pioneers in their season opener, finishing as the game's top scorer with 20 points. He recorded six rebounds and team-high totals of seven assists and seven blocks.
He received immense support from freshman Liam McNeeley and Tarris Reed Jr., both recording double-doubles. McNeeley finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Reed Jr. finished with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Sophomore Solo Ball also chipped in with 16 points to cap off a fine day for the Huskies.