If Karaban leads UConn to the threepeat, is he considered the greatest Husky of all time?

[caw]

And Tyler Olander is better than Ray Allen as he has 2 titles? It's a crazy idea. AK was not instrumental in either final four

Disagree heavily on this year (he averaged 9.5/7/3/2 with 0 TOs). He didn't shoot great (6/13, 3/10, 4/4) but he played extremely well. Heck, he didn't even shoot that poorly. He makes one more three, of those he missed, and he's at 54/40/100.

That's not even including all the screening, movement, gravity and small plays he made this year in the final four which got UConn possessions but didn't necessarily show in the boxscore.

Last year, I still disagree based on his game against Miami. He didn't play great against SDSU.

Also, it's crazy to compare him to Olander. Karaban has played a total of 129 minutes in four final four games over two years, with the lowest being 29 mins. Olander played a grand total of 12 FF minutes in his career in two games. Samson has more FF minutes and games, as does Diarra.

Not to mention the thread is based on him leading UConn to a third NCAAT Championship, presumably meaning he would add at least another 60 minutes in the final four.

If you want to say Karaban was not the most instrumental over the past two years, that's fine. He was probably around 5th to 6th in 23 and 4th to 5th in 24.

 

[Ubobconn22]

The real question should be will a threepeat make Hurley, UConn’s greatest men’s basketball coach.

 

[HuskyWarrior611]

The poster is talking about accomplishments for the program, not individual talent or personal career accomplishments.

If that’s the case conversations for Tyler Olander should be had too if it’s just about how many winning teams you’re on. He has 2 rings to Ray’s none.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

Just counting college basketball, not NBA or anything. Would Karaban being the best player on this team and leading us to the threepeat make him the best Husky of all time?

I think if UConn wins the championship again, and if AK averages 20 ppg amongst other stats, he definitely makes 1st team AA and he would have to be considered for other accolades. He would also have to be on any UConn Mt Rushmore, but the best ever? No

 

[NowInStorrs]

Let's worry about the first half before we worry about the second half.

 

[willie99]

I'd welcome the debate

 

[REB1094]

Most decorated for sure and he’d have to be up there in the conversation of most impactful players we’ve had. But best? No way unless he averages like 30 a game and has a historic individual season

Not in any way trying to discredit him, because he’s been super important to both runs, but he was the 5th player for ring #1 and 3rd/4th player for ring #2. He has his chance to be the star this season, but hasn’t done it yet

 

[QuickDraw]

Best isn't how I would look at this it's more a matter of overall value & contribution to the success of the program & for this I believe AK is as valuable as any that have come before him in terms of a program changer, even Hurley has been quoted that AK is the recruit that marked a turn for the program towards the success they are now having, (not a direct quote but a paraphrase)

 

[YearoftheHusky]

There's no discussion, the answer is yes and it's not close

Then Diarra and Johnson are too?

 

[CL82]

And Tyler Olander is better than Ray Allen as he has 2 titles? It's a crazy idea. AK was not instrumental in either final four

Well, Olander's clearly twice as good as Jim Beoheim.

 

[EBonz30]

Not really interested in this debate at this time- but what I would say in regards to Karaban- the day he walked on the court as a Husky & started as a Husky as a red shirt freshman this program changed forever for the better.

Leading up to 2023 the defense was already rock solid- Karaban at the four with his shooting ability & as well as his passing/cutting ability (not to mentioned his ability to shut down defensively larger 4’s) unlocked an offense that as Husky fans have never seen- a super efficient & explosive offense at the same time.

Karaban was the final key in unlocking the so called formula that Hurley brags about that he has for a super Uber highly successful program.

So obviously a lot of it is Hurley in adjusting from playing two bigs at the same time- with that said- it is extremely hard to replicate Karaban’s skill set/toughness- especially at the college level- he is the perfect 4 man at this level & gives the offense as a whole a huge advantage.

 

[CL82]

I'd welcome the debate

This. Wait until he's done it and then debate it. Even Kemba wasn't Kemba until his last season.

I will say this, it would be one hell of a story. He came to school early, started from day one, and pulled his name from the draft in order to make history by winning a third title.

 

[FfldCntyFan]

I absolutely want to see this argument materialize next April.

 

[auror]

If he was 1st team AA and Big East POTY and we win the title then I think the answer is yes. But he has to get the individual accolades alongside the team winning.

 

[Rondogg]

If he leads us to a 4-peat in his Senior year, yes.

 

[BGesus4]

The stroke I will have if it happens will be the greatest of all time

 

[Palatine]

If he is our leading scorer, is an AP All American, leads us to BE regular and tourney titles, wins the NC, is named the Outstanding FF player, and is an NBA lottery pick then he will definitely be considered the greatest Husky player.

 

[Jaydumo20]

Then Diarra and Johnson are too?

My prediction: if we 3peat, the lore of SJ, Hass and AK as the trio who saw it all, will cement itself in UConn history (with AK at the head of the triangle).

There will be a thread, immediately after the hypothetical '25 title game, anointing them "The 3 Husketeers" or some such nonsense.

 

[CTBasketball]

Well, Olander's clearly twice as good as Jim Beoheim.

Syracuse actually ranks Joseph “Joey” Schwarzer equal as Carmelo Anthony because they both won rings. They don’t care that one ring is fake.

 

[djct1999]

Not even close to the best player. That said, his contribution to this program would surely be recognized and his jersey would hang on the wall of honor!!!! As it should.

 

[Fan1978]

Just counting college basketball, not NBA or anything. Would Karaban being the best player on this team and leading us to the threepeat make him the best Husky of all time?

Yes

 

[microfich]

Just counting college basketball, not NBA or anything. Would Karaban being the best player on this team and leading us to the threepeat make him the best Husky of all time?

One of the goofiest takes ever. It would probably get him on the wall, though.

 

[Jim]

When bestowing the title of "greatest" one has to look at the player's role on the team. AK's value is that he makes the whole offense work versus being the alpha scorer putting up 30+ per night. That is why he is not an NBA lottery pick (yet), but he is the engine which makes the Ferrari hum.

 

[storrsroars]

Most accomplished but we've clearly had better players, we had better players than him just this past season. It would be insane if he wins three national championships, it would put Karaban and Hurley in the most rarified air.

So, if he didn't go NBA this year and we're being told next year is a much deeper draft, if he doesn't go NBA next year and comes back for his senior year, four-peats...

Then he merits top 10 all-time UConn players for sure.

 

[Kenny11]

18 NCAA tournament wins in 3 years would be wild. At that point, crown him.