UConn’s Alex Karaban has a lot of expectations riding on his shoulders in his senior season. After a disappointing last season where the Huskies were knocked out in the second round by the Florida Gators, Karaban is set to make a real splash.
Coach Dan Hurley believes that Karaban is ready for the next season and is expected to do wonders for the Huskies. One big advantage that Hurley sees in the current situation is that Karaban is going in as an underdog.
“Alex looks great,” Hurley told the media. “I think he’s coming into the season under the radar, and I think he’ll respond better mentally to that. What he went through last year has mentally prepared him. There’s a mental toughness you develop when you go through a year like we had as a team.” (From 8:54)
Karaban has been a part of the back-to-back NCAA Championship-winning team in 2023 and 2024. However, the forward wasn’t a key player in those championship runs. Instead, he complimented his teammates who did most of the heavy lifting.
Now, at 22, a more experienced and better-prepared Karaban will look to be at the forefront of another possible title run in his senior year.
“His game is sharper,” Hurley said. “He’s addressed areas… when you’re celebrating for a year and deep into the pre-draft process, you don’t have as much time to work on things. I think he got back in the gym and put in the work on his body, and he looks a lot different.”
John Fanta praises Alex Karaban’s hard work
Last year was disappointing for the Huskies. After winning back-to-back, they were handed a crushing defeat. It must’ve stung Karaban more than other players because he was finally stepping up to the front. But John Fanta believes that Karaban is capable of leaving the past behind.
“He’s been through it all. There’s nothing that’s going to faze that kid,” Fanta said. He’s one of the hardest-working players I’ve ever covered. And I’m intrigued to see what he does as a senior and how it all pans out.” (14:28)
Karaban’s bold decision to skip the NBA Draft after last season’s defeat and giving himself another year at UConn shows that he is determined to overcome the loss that would’ve been a blot on his resume.
Everything surrounding the 22-year-old forward indicates that he is going to be in control this season. It’s only a matter of time before we start seeing everyone’s positive predictions on him come true.
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