“Not gonna see many coach [Dan] Hurleys out there in the NBA”: Alex Karaban breaks down his decision of returning to UConn
UConn redshirt junior Alex Karaban was electric last season, emerging as an essential part of the Huskies' march to the national title. He entered the NBA draft this summer but later chose to return to play one more season under coach Dan Hurley.
In an interview with Fox61 at Big East Media Day, Karaban discussed his decision to return to UConn and pass on the NBA draft.
"I had a very busy summer. It was stressful. I didn't know exactly what direction I wanted to head in," Alex said. "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."
Karaban also praised Hurley, calling him "one of a kind."
"I also just learned how much UConn has changed my life, has blessed me, and how Coach Hurley is one of a kind," he continued. "You're not going to see many Coach Hurleys out there in the NBA."
Alex Karaban's start to his college career was not without challenges. He missed his freshman year at Connecticut after suffering an injury during his final year at playing for his high school, IMG Academy.
UConn won national championships in both the seasons he has played. The Massachusetts native averaged 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in 2023-24 season.
Alex Karaban can "add" himself to history by winning three-peat in 2024-24
Alex Karaban has a genuine chance of making history in the upcoming season.
If he leads UConn to its third straight national title, he will be remembered as one of the best players in the program’s history and also one of the most successful in college basketball.
"I thought about it more and more during the NBA process, realizing I really can be the winningest college basketball player of all time, Alex said Wednesday during media day. "I didn’t want to leave that what-if up to grab if I were to go to the NBA."
"I believe we have a great chance at chasing a three-peat and adding myself to history ... We have an opportunity in front of us that we may never see again in college basketball."
Throughout his collegiate career at UConn, Alex Karaban has only lost eleven games and won 68. He wants to cap it off with a perfect season, a feat that has not been achieved since 1976 by Indiana.