Alex Karaban is BACK

[back2BE4us]

Hope they teach him cursive in that 4th year.

Signed with one finger at a Verifone Walmart self checkout kiosk.

 

[UCLJ0211]

A legendary Husky already that could go down as the winningest player in program history after next year.

 

[HuskyHawk]

This is good news. He brings experience and skill and solves a roster problem. I do hope Dan doesn't lean on him quite so much this year. He's better playing a few fewer minutes and not being the focus of the offense. Assuming Stewart starts at SF, but plays some 4 as well.

 

[AllHusky]

The experience of being a "Senior" last year is going to enhance his second Senior year immeasurably. Won't feel the need to carry the team on his shoulders, but will be able to lead in a more relaxed and focused manner. That and no concussions will really make this one special for Alex(and the rest of Husky Nation). A 5 out lineup with Reibe and Alex on the floor will be a challenge to defend.

 

[Milo65]

!

 

[Ottomatic]

I would have been happy for Alex whatever decision he made. But I do think his return makes UConn a legitimate final four team. Another Natty? Who knows?

 

[ec33]

The experience of being a "Senior" last year is going to enhance his second Senior year immeasurably.

AK does get a bit of a do-over. Hopefully with a chance to reflect and a better surrounding cast he relaxes a bit and allows the game to come to him.

Also not getting another TBI would be helpful. His play definitely tailed off after that.

 

[uconn_jack]

Interesting he put his name in and then withdrew. I have to imagine he had all the NBA feedback he was going to get before he put his name in, so either he was still negotiating NIL, or he woke up regretting his decision the next day.

 

[BigTenFan]

Congratulations to Karaban. He has achieved legend status and will be finishing his career with a great program.
I hope they raise his jersey to rafters on Senior night- he deserves it.

 

[80shusky]

This is great Alex is already one of my favorite Huskies ever! Now to put a bow on this get a rim protector who can rebound.

 

[Shamon30]

Looking forward to seeing a Karaban/Stewart forward duo in the starting lineup. Mullins may have something today about that, but I think ceteris paribus, Stewart will get the nod to start at least beginning the season.

 

[Bomber36]

Love it!

 

[3rdbass]

Ok so he was initially declared. Interesting. No wonder the confusion in the media. Glad he is back. Now I'm physched for next season. We have a legit change to win it all. C Reed, PF Karaban, SF Stewart, PG Demary and SG Ball. WIth Mullins, Smith and Reibe first off the bench.

 

[NJHusky]

Interesting he put his name in and then withdrew. I have to imagine he had all the NBA feedback he was going to get before he put his name in, so either he was still negotiating NIL, or he woke up regretting his decision the next day.

The fact it dragged out until today leads me to believe it was all NIL…which I understand. Dan Hurley got s bigger deal after the Lakers came calling.

 

[B1GEast]

Huge!!!

This is incredible. Good things are in store for this team.

 

[3rdbass]

This is great Alex is already one of my favorite Huskies ever! Now to put a bow on this get a rim protector who can rebound.

I doubt we are looking at any rim protectors unless you mean 3rd string Center who will barely play the floor. That and an additional 3rd string PG. Reed, Reibe and Alex will protect the paint. Alex did average 1.5 blocks per game last year and Reed was 1.6. Samson who we lost is 1.5 and Reibe looks like he can at least be close to that from what we have seen of him in the All-Star games. I'm not too worried about Rim protection.

 

[DCHuskyFan]

Great news! All the BY knuckleheads, myself included, joked about “the Decision,” but it was mostly good natured and almost everyone universally wanted him back. There’s no better power forward for UConn.

 

[80shusky]

I doubt we are looking at any rim protectors unless you mean 3rd string Center who will barely play the floor. That and an additional 3rd string PG.

Yes that. if we going to get a third center it should be someone who can block shots and rebound

 

[djct1999]

what the record for number of likes for a post? this should break it.

 

[3rdbass]

A bruiser to back up the 4 and 5.

Alex starter with JStew as the PF backup. Alex will backup at Center like he did this past year. We have limited minutes and I doubt we will get anyone legit who wants to play only backup minutes to Alex.

 

[Samoo]

Wow, so what else does the team still need?

A rim protecting backup 4-5, quality player, probably mid-major starter, looking for a chance to win a national championship and burnish their credentials for an overseas career.

 

[UconnU]

What’re the odds AK will one day coach UConn to a national championship?

 

[superjohn]

Congratulations to Karaban. He has achieved legend status and will be finishing his career with a great program.
I hope they raise his jersey to rafters on Senior night- he deserves it.

Rip and Ray are the only guys with their jersey in the rafters so no AK won't get that on senior night.

 

[caw]

Wow, so what else does the team still need?

Third string 4 and 5. Singare replacement IMO.

 

[storrsroars]