Alex Karaban is a 6-foot-8-inch forward for the University of Connecticut (UConn) men’s basketball team. Born on November 11, 2002, in Southborough, Massachusetts, he has been a pivotal player for the Huskies.
Early Life and Education
Karaban began his high school career at Algonquin Regional High School in Massachusetts. He later transferred to New Hampton School in New Hampshire, where he earned the New Hampshire Gatorade Player of the Year honors by averaging 25.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game. He subsequently moved to IMG Academy in Florida to further his basketball development.
College Career at UConn
Karaban enrolled at UConn in January 2022, redshirting his first year. He was a unanimous selection for the Big East Conference’s All-Freshman team in 2023. In the 2023 national championship game, he contributed five points, five rebounds, and three blocks, aiding UConn in securing the title.
During the 2023-2024 season, Karaban averaged 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, with shooting percentages of 49.5% from the field, 37.9% from three-point range, and 88.5% from the free-throw line. He scored 20 or more points in eight games, including a career-high 26 points against both UAPB and Georgetown.
In April 2024, Karaban declared for the NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility. He later withdrew from the draft to return to UConn for his junior year, aiming to achieve a historic third consecutive national championship.
Recent Performance
In the 2024-2025 season, Karaban has continued to excel. In a recent NCAA Tournament game against Oklahoma, he played a crucial role, scoring vital points and making key defensive plays, including a significant three-pointer and a crucial block in the final minutes, leading UConn to a 67-59 victory.
UConn’s head coach, Dan Hurley, has praised Karaban’s leadership and resilience, highlighting his ability to step up in critical moments. Karaban’s performance has drawn comparisons to legendary players, with Xavier’s coach, Sean Miller, referring to him as “one of the sport’s greatest winners.”
Personal Life
Karaban is active on social media, particularly Instagram, where he has amassed over 22,000 followers. His account provides fans with glimpses into his personal life and basketball journey.