Alex Karaban, a two‑time NCAA champion who helped UConn capture back‑to‑back national titles in 2023 and 2024, announced that he will forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2026 NBA Draft.
Known for his lethal three‑point shooting, Karaban finishes the UConn career as the program’s all‑time leader in made threes, a testament to his ability to space the floor and finish at a 63% rate inside the paint.
Measured at 6‑foot‑11 with a 28‑inch vertical leap and a wingspan that stretches well beyond his height, the forward brings a rare combination of size and shooting touch to the next level.
Athleticism and Age Raise Questions
Despite his shooting pedigree, NBA scouts have voiced concerns about Karaban’s athleticism and his age relative to other prospects, noting that he is older than most first‑round candidates except for Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg.
Nevertheless, ESPN’s latest mock draft slots him with the Sacramento Kings at the No. 34 overall pick, projecting a late‑first‑round or early‑second‑round selection for the sharpshooter.
UConn head coach Dan Hurley has described Karaban as an “ultimate winner,” emphasizing the champion’s relentless drive and clutch performances that defined the Huskies’ recent dominance.
The upcoming draft will determine whether Karaban can translate his collegiate success into a professional career, as teams weigh his shooting brilliance against the physical demands of the NBA.