At Final Four, Alex Karaban is UConn's 'old dog that just won't die' Alex Karaban, a 23-year-old forward for the UConn Huskies, has become a symbol of resilience and determination as the team advances to the Final Four. Known as the "old dog that just won’t die," Karaban’s nickname reflects his enduring presence on the court and his refusal to retire despite his age and the challenges of competing at the highest level. The term, borrowed from a popular idiom, has been embraced by teammates and coaches as a way to highlight his unyielding spirit and leadership. Karaban’s journey with UConn has been marked by consistency and excellence. A two-time team captain, he has been a cornerstone of the Huskies’ success, contributing significantly to their pursuit of a third national championship. This achievement would mark a historic milestone, as no player has accomplished this feat in over 50 years. The last team to secure three titles was the 1971-73 UCLA squad led by Larry Farmer and Larry Hollyfield. Now, Karaban is two victories away from joining that exclusive group, a goal that has become the focus of his final college season. The nickname “old dog” has become a recurring theme in conversations about Karaban. UConn center Tarris Reed Jr. humorously compared him to a dog that “just wouldn’t die,” a metaphor that resonated with teammates and fans. Karaban himself found the label amusing but acknowledged its relevance. “An old dog? Why an old dog,” he quipped when asked by a teammate, before laughing at the comparison. His coach, Dan Hurley, added a lighthearted twist, calling Karaban “the best babysitter” in the program, a title that underscores his role as a mentor and leader for younger players. Karaban’s impact on the team extends beyond his on-court performance.#dan_hurley #alex_karaban #uconn_huskies #tarris_reed_jr #silas_demary_jr
Alex Karaban Preparing for Third Final Four with Veteran Leadership INDIANAPOLIS — Alex Karaban, a seasoned UConn forward, is stepping into his third Final Four as a mentor and leader for the Huskies, bringing a blend of experience and confidence to the tournament. With 150 career games for the program and 125 wins in his first 149 contests, Karaban has become a cornerstone of UConn’s success, embodying the team’s relentless work ethic and cultural expectations. His journey to this moment includes 19 NCAA tournament games, with only one loss in his career, a record that surpasses the combined tournament histories of several prominent programs. As the Huskies prepare for their Final Four matchup against Illinois, Karaban’s role extends beyond scoring—he is the anchor of a team that thrives on discipline, resilience, and a shared commitment to excellence. Karaban’s leadership is particularly evident in his relationship with younger teammates like Braylon Mullins, the Huskies’ standout shooter who hit a game-winning shot that will be remembered as one of the most iconic moments in NCAA tournament history. Mullins, a freshman, has yet to experience the Final Four, but Karaban has been there before. “When he stepped on campus, he wouldn’t talk to me,” Karaban recalls, noting how Mullins initially avoided interaction. “Now he’s comfortable, and he’s thriving.” This transformation mirrors Karaban’s own evolution from a freshman to a veteran who has navigated the pressures of March Madness, including the media frenzy, the unique challenges of playing in football stadiums, and the weight of high-stakes games. The 2026 Final Four represents a pivotal moment for UConn, a program known for its dominance in college basketball.#dan_hurley #uconn #alex_karaban #braylon_mullins #final_four
UConn’s Alex Karaban is a throwback to an earlier time. He’s aiming to do something no college player has done since the ’70s Alex Karaban’s journey at UConn has been defined by consistency, a trait increasingly rare in modern college basketball. As a senior forward for the Huskies, Karaban has spent every game in the same uniform, a feat that sets him apart in an era where players often prioritize early NBA drafts over long-term college careers. His dedication to staying at UConn for four years, rather than leaving after a single title, has positioned him as a unique figure in the sport’s evolving landscape. Karaban’s story is one of perseverance, academic commitment, and a refusal to conform to the fast-paced, profit-driven culture that now dominates college basketball. Karaban’s path to becoming a UConn legend began with his recruitment as a consensus top-50 player in 2021. Despite his early promise, he never became a flash-in-the-pan star. Instead, he matured steadily, balancing his athletic career with academic pursuits. He earned a degree in economics, graduating with a 3.39 GPA, and is now pursuing a certificate in non-profit management. His intellectual curiosity, rooted in a family of academics—his mother holds a doctorate in economics and his father is a software engineer—has shaped his approach to both basketball and life. Coach Dan Hurley, who has guided Karaban through his four seasons, has often highlighted the player’s quiet determination. Hurley described Karaban as a “responsibility of greatness,” a phrase that underscores the weight of his role on the team. While other players have rushed to the NBA, Karaban has remained committed to his college career, a decision that has paid off in both athletic and academic terms.#dan_hurley #uconn #alex_karaban #ncaa_tournament #huskies_of_honor
UConn's March Madness Fate Hinges on Two Key Players Dan Hurley’s UConn Huskies entered the Big East Tournament Championship against St. John’s Red Storm with high expectations, but their performance in the title game exposed critical weaknesses. The Huskies trailed early and struggled to mount a comeback, ultimately falling short despite a late surge. The loss highlighted the team’s reliance on two veteran players, Alex Karaban and Solo Ball, who failed to deliver under pressure. Karaban, a two-time national champion, and Ball, a former title winner, were expected to anchor UConn’s offense. However, both struggled against the Red Storm. Karaban shot 3-of-8 from the field, including 1-of-5 from beyond the arc, scoring just 7 points. Ball fared worse, hitting just 1-of-7 from the field and going 0-of-4 from three-point range, contributing only 3 points. Their poor shooting and lack of impact in key moments were major factors in the Huskies’ defeat. Hurley, known for his ability to maximize his players’ potential, has long depended on Karaban and Ball to elevate the team in high-stakes games. Their recent struggles, however, have raised concerns about their ability to perform when it matters most. With the NCAA Tournament approaching, the Huskies will need these two to step up, particularly in their first-round matchup against Furman. The Paladins, though not a top-tier team, pose a challenge that Hurley’s squad cannot afford to underestimate. Karaban and Ball’s performance in the March Madness tournament will be crucial. Both players have the skill and experience to carry UConn, but their recent shooting slumps and inconsistent play have left questions about their readiness.#dan_hurley #alex_karaban #uconn_huskies #st_johns_red_storm #solo_ball
UConn men's basketball team aims for Big East regular-season title: 'First part of three goals' The fourth-ranked UConn men’s basketball team is on the verge of securing its record 12th Big East regular-season championship, with a decisive victory over Marquette set for Saturday at Fiserv Forum. A win would break a tie with Georgetown for the most titles in league history, as the Huskies currently share the lead with the Hoyas. The game, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX, represents the first step toward achieving a trio of goals outlined by the team, including a Big East tournament title and a national championship. UConn, ranked No. 4 in the nation, enters the matchup with a 17-2 record in conference play and a 27-3 overall mark. The Huskies’ pursuit of the regular-season title is complicated by the league standings, as they could share the crown with St. John’s if both teams win their final regular-season games. However, a UConn victory would secure at least a share of the title, with the possibility of an outright win if St. John’s loses to Seton Hall on Friday night. The outcome of Saturday’s game will also determine the Huskies’ seeding in the upcoming Big East tournament, where they could claim the top or second seed depending on results. Senior forward Alex Karaban, the only current player to have won two national championships, emphasized the difficulty of winning the regular-season title. “It’s extremely hard to do,” he said. “This is a championship we’ve been working for since mid-December. It’s super-impressive because teams get hot, teams get cold, teams go through injury spurts. Really, it’s who’s the toughest team, the most resilient. Winning the regular-season championship is really hard to do, and I think it’s really impressive to win.#big_east #dan_hurley #uconn #marquette #alex_karaban
