Alex Karaban is BACK

[CL82]

Fight a Silverback.

Oh, we completely win today.

 

[UconnU]

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.

We can use a developmental PG that can act as insurance for Malachi Smith. I don’t use this term lightly but Smith may be a little injury prone given his history.

 

[GHSWolverines]

I would like two more guys 6 ft 8 in or above.

 

[lateralous]

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

So basically a new Singare.

 

[3rdbass]

I would like two more guys 6 ft 8 in or above.

We need another PG too.

 

[Staven]

Nothing but love for this kid he's a true warrior! Last year wasn't what he had hoped at least statistically and now he gets one final go around to have his dream come true to be selected in the first round in next year's draft. He deserves nothing less.

 

[Hans Sprungfeld]

I'm hoping for another year with Jared on the Connecticut Scoreboard podcast.
@gwhuskyfan

 

[Dove]

I predict that he will have his best season ever. He will NOT forget how last season went.

 

[DRBackup]

Praise be.... I'm so happy. And not for myself or the team, or any of it, but because logic and common sense are applied.

I would be fine with Karaban leaving if that was his decision, but given what we know, there is limited upside to him leaving. He's not getting guaranteed BIG money to leave and he's got solid money to stay. Then, why not stay ? Why not, indeed. It all makes sense.

 

[Doctor Hoop]

He'll still get his shot to play in the NBA, but probably the thoughts of grinding in the G-league and possibly never even making it up to the Show next year weighed on him. When the other option is to stay at the place you love, have a chance to win another natty, and maybe even more more money via NIL.

Hopefully he has a strong senior season and some team will give him a guaranteed contract next year, even if he's still a 2nd round pick. If you are 6'8 and can shoot 40% from 3, you'll at least get a chance to prove yourself.

The NBA loves guys who can shoot the lights out. If he does that consistently next year - no more of the 3 game 2/20 slumps from the arc and hitting almost all the open ones - and he'll have a shot. He'll have a better shot if he can develop some deception in his game that lets him get to the lane going right and left both. Because he's a very smart player on offense and defense, he has that part nailed.

Great to have him back, we all suspected as much with the deafening silence.

 

[CL82]

I predict that he will have his best season ever. He will NOT forget how last season went.

I hope so Dove.

 

[Scot-e]

I predict that he will have his best season ever. He will NOT forget how last season went.

I agree. I think he is going to be in a role that suits his strengths. He is going to shine!

 

[REB1094]

3 rings in 4 years sounds nice. LETS GOOOOOO

 

[amishboy]

Lack of point guard play and Liam's injury hurt AK the most. He simply isn't a #1 and trying to throw him into that role hurt AK and the team performance. With Solo, Silas, Tarris...AK can go back to his role of being a great connector, cutting to the rim, hitting open threes, doing all the little things.

Not to mention, now he won’t have the pressure of being the #1 option on a team trying to three-peat.

 

[jibsey]

This is the least climactic return to Storrs ever, lol. Glad to have him back though. We have a legit starting 5.

4/5 of the starting 5 is set, and it's a STRONG bunch. Now Stewart and Mullins can go kill each other in practice for the 5th spot.

Stew has a lockdown on that spot! Mullins will play a lot.

 

[husky429]

Stew has a lockdown on that spot! Mullins will play a lot.

Mullins is hard to get a read on because he's played on a lower HS level.

Stewart was so inconsistent--especially defensively.

I think if the Stewart that defends shows up, he gets the starting nod. But that's really a guess for me.

 

[jostar1]

 

[ucp990411]

We will be an outstanding 3 point shooting team. With Silas, Ball, Mullins & Stewart. Things will open up much more for Alex.

 

[TheShot1990]

Tom is going to celebrate with a big salad.

 

[3rdbass]

 

[uconnblueinky]

3 out of 4 years with a Natty won't be bad, Alex!

Could top Laettner

 

[controlfade]

Great news, 2025/26 gonna be a fun one

 

[uconnfan68]

Mullins is hard to get a read on because he's played on a lower HS level.

Stewart was so inconsistent--especially defensively.

I think if the Stewart that defends shows up, he gets the starting nod. But that's really a guess for me.

Just needs to pretend everyone is Eric Dixon.

 

[Kl.0606]

Mullins is hard to get a read on because he's played on a lower HS level.

Stewart was so inconsistent--especially defensively.

I think if the Stewart that defends shows up, he gets the starting nod. But that's really a guess for me.

What makes Mullins HS lower level?

Indiana has 4 levels of basketball; 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A. He played on a 4A HS team who was ranked in the top 5 in the state all season. He is the #1 scorer in 24-25 and also just named Indiana Mr. Basketball? So please enlighten us on "lower level"???

 

[PNolanFan]

We will be an outstanding 3 point shooting team. With Silas, Ball, Mullins & Stewart. Things will open up much more for Alex.

Shooting gonna be crazy next year. Smith, Silas, Ball, Mullins, Stewart, Karaban, Reibe, Furphy all project as potential ++ shooters, could have pretty much every single player in the rotation high 30s/low 40s 3 point shooting