UConn forward Alex Karaban announced Thursday that he has declared for the NBA draft while retaining his college eligibility.
Karaban made the announcement on social media, saying his experience at UConn “has exceeded my expectations.”
The 6-foot-8 sophomore averaged 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds this season, helping UConn to its second straight NCAA title.
He joins 7-2 center Donovan Clingan in declaring for the draft.
Karaban has been projected as a possible late first-round or second-round pick.
Clingan and freshman guard Stephon Castle are projected as NBA lottery picks. Castle has yet to announce his future plans.
The Huskies’ two other starters this season, guards Cam Spencer and Tristen Newton, also could be drafted. Neither has any college eligibility remaining.
Forward Alex Karaban, a key member of UConn’s back-to-back national championship teams, will test the NBA draft waters but keep his
eligibility. Karaban, who started 77 of 78 games the past two seasons, announced his decision via social media on Thursday. “Thank you to
my family and friends for all of the countless sacrifices and constant support throughout my career — especially during the ups and
downs,” Karaban wrote. In the just-concluded season, Karaban averaged 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. In his two seasons at
UConn, he posted averages of 11.3 points and 4.8 rebounds. “Thank you (to the Huskies coaching staff) for your belief in me and giving me
the opportunity to play at UConn,” he added. “You guys have pushed me not only to be a better player, but also have helped me become a
better man. My experience here has exceeded my expectations and I am blessed to be part of back-to-back national championships.” In
the 2024 Final Four, Karaban posted 14 points and eight rebounds against Alabama to help UConn reach the national championship game
against Purdue. He had five points, six boards and four assists as the Huskies topped the Boilermakers for the national title. Karaban
scored 20 or more points eight times this season.
