NCAA analysts hope Alex Karaban can make “a lot of money” in the NBA, compare UConn star with Boston Celtics forward

UConn Huskies forward Alex Karaban declared for the 2025 NBA draft after the 2024 season. However, after some deliberation, Karaban decided to pull out and return to UConn for his senior season. Doing so could help him raise his stock before entering the NBA in 2026.

On "The Field of 68: After Dark," released on Tuesday, analyst Jeff Goodman spoke about Karaban (Timestamp: 3:10):

"I hope Alex Karaban works his way back into a guaranteed, early second-round deal where he can make a lot of money because that kid is awesome. He's awesome. I fell for him last year."

Rob Dauster responded, comparing Karaban to Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser:

"I don't see how Alex Karaban can't have the same career that Sam Hauser is having when he gets to the NBA. Like you see what that role is like. You know exactly who he's gonna end up being."

Karaban helped UConn win the national championship in 2023 and 2024, and although the team did three-peat, he had his best season statistically. He averaged 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

Alex Karaban's return to the UConn Huskies should help them contend for another national championship

Although it is unclear whether Alex Karaban would have been selected if he stayed in the 2025 NBA draft, there is no doubt that he is an effective college basketball player. He was part of two teams that won national championships, playing a big role on both.

So, his return to the Huskies should help the team have a bounce-back season. ESPN college basketball insider Jeff Borzello thinks the Huskies are contenders in 2026.

"Alex Karaban is back and UConn is a 2025-26 national championship contender. Silas Demary Jr. Solo Ball Braylon Mullins Alex Karaban Tarris Reed. Loaded lineup."

If Karaban can win another national championship with the Huskies while playing a big role, it is hard to imagine NBA teams passing on him in the draft next year.