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
Boston College Hires UConn Assistant Luke Murray as Head Coach Boston College announced on Thursday that it has hired Luke Murray, a former assistant coach at UConn, as its new head coach for the men’s basketball program. Murray, who has been a key figure in UConn’s success over the past several years, will take over a program with a rich basketball tradition and a strong academic reputation. The hiring marks a significant shift for the Eagles, as Murray brings a wealth of experience in building high-level programs and shaping offensive strategies that have led to national championships. Murray, the son of actor and comedian Bill Murray, played a pivotal role in the development of UConn’s back-to-back national championship teams. His contributions to the Huskies’ offensive system have been instrumental in transforming the program into one of the most dominant forces in college basketball. At UConn, Murray has worked under head coach Dan Hurley, serving as an assistant since 2021. His tenure has coincided with a dramatic improvement in the team’s performance, as UConn’s adjusted offensive efficiency rankings have consistently ranked among the top 30 in the nation since his arrival. Before Murray joined Hurley’s staff, the Huskies had finished 64th and 85th in the category over the previous two years, but they have never dropped below 30th since his hiring. In 2023 and 2024, UConn finished first and third in the nation in that metric, respectively, during their championship campaigns. Murray’s impact at UConn extends beyond statistical success. He has established himself as a top-tier recruiter and a strategic mind capable of adapting to the evolving landscape of college basketball. His ability to design and implement offensive systems that maximize player potential has been a cornerstone of the Huskies’ dominance.#dan_hurley #uconn #boston_college #bill_murray #luke_murray
UConn vs Michigan State Basketball Game: How to Watch and Key Details The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament will feature a high-stakes Sweet 16 matchup between No. 2 seed UConn and No. 3 seed Michigan State on Friday, March 27. The game, set for 9:45 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., is a pivotal contest in a tournament that has already showcased an elite field of teams. The Huskies and Spartans will face off in a game that highlights the competitive depth of the 2026 tournament, with both programs boasting storied histories in March Madness. UConn, led by head coach Dan Hurley, enters the game seeking to extend its dominance in the tournament. Hurley, who guided the Huskies to national championships in 2023 and 2024, is aiming for his third title in four seasons. His team’s path to the Sweet 16 has been marked by resilience, including a second-round exit to eventual champion Florida in 2025. Michigan State, meanwhile, is represented by Tom Izzo, a three-time national champion who last won a title for the Spartans in 2000. Izzo’s team has been a consistent powerhouse in the Big Ten Conference, and this matchup offers a rare opportunity for the two programs to clash in the tournament’s second round. The game’s significance is amplified by the fact that it is one of only three matchups in the Sweet 16 featuring coaches with prior NCAA Tournament championships. The other such matchup involves Rick Pitino at St. John’s, making this a rare gathering of coaching legends. Fans and analysts are eager to see how these two programs will fare against each other, with the outcome potentially shaping the tournament’s narrative. For viewers, the game will be broadcast live on NCAA March Madness Live and accessible via Fubo, which offers a free trial. The event is scheduled to start at 9:45 p.m.#dan_hurley #uconn #tom_izzo #michigan_state #capital_one_arena
UConn's men's basketball program has become a dominant force in college basketball, with Dan Hurley at the helm since 2018. Under his leadership, the Huskies have compiled a 196-74 record, including back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024. Hurley has guided the team to the NCAA Tournament in each of the past six seasons, with a recent return to the Sweet Sixteen. His success is supported by a coaching staff that blends experience, expertise, and unique personal connections. The coaching staff includes four primary coaches: Hurley, associate head coach Kimani Young, and assistants Luke Murray and Mike Nardi. Murray, the son of actor Bill Murray, has carved his own path in basketball coaching. He joined UConn in 2021 after three years as an assistant at Louisville and has been instrumental in the program's recent success. Murray will soon take on a new role as head coach at Boston College, departing UConn after the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Young, who has been coaching since 2012, began his career at FIU before moving to Minnesota and eventually joining Hurley’s staff in 2018. Nardi, the youngest member of the staff, transitioned from a professional playing career to coaching in 2017, serving at Villanova before joining UConn ahead of the 2025-2026 season. Together, these assistants contribute to the Huskies’ strategic and developmental success. Beyond the coaching staff, UConn’s support team includes roles such as general manager, director of basketball administration, player development, and sports performance. These positions ensure the program’s operational and athletic excellence. The staff’s collective efforts have helped maintain UConn’s status as a powerhouse, balancing tradition with innovation. Hurley’s ability to assemble and lead such a cohesive team underscores his impact on the program.#dan_hurley #uconn #boston_college #luke_murray #kimani_young
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
Bill Murray attends Furman basketball vs UConn game in March Madness Bill Murray attended the Furman vs. UConn basketball game in the first round of the Men’s NCAA Tournament on March 20, 2026, at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. He was spotted by the TBS camera crew early in the first half of the matchup. The actor’s presence at the event sparked curiosity, as his connection to the UConn Huskies was well known. Murray has long been a prominent supporter of the Huskies, with his son, Luke Murray, playing a key role in his fandom. Luke joined the UConn coaching staff in 2021 as an assistant coach under head coach Dan Hurley. His tenure has included five consecutive NCAA tournaments, during which the team has advanced to the championship rounds. Luke’s contributions have been instrumental in UConn’s success, including two national championships. Murray’s dedication to the Huskies was evident during their championship runs in 2023 and 2024, where he was frequently seen at games and events. His support extended beyond the court, as he often expressed pride in the team’s achievements through public appearances and social media. The actor’s presence at the March Madness game was a natural extension of his longstanding loyalty to UConn. Interestingly, Murray’s fandom for the Huskies was not always a given. He attended Regis University in Denver, a private Jesuit institution, and grew up in Evanston, Illinois, where he was a fan of the Fighting Illini, the university’s basketball team. This early allegiance to the Illini contrasts with his later support for UConn, highlighting his ability to shift loyalties based on personal connections. The actor’s attendance at the Furman-UConn game underscored his deep ties to the Huskies, blending his personal life with his passion for college basketball.#dan_hurley #uconn_huskies #xfinity_mobile_arena #bill_murray #luke_murray
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
UConn men’s basketball team eyes regular-season title in showdown against Marquette The UConn men’s basketball team is set to face Marquette in a crucial regular-season finale at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, with a win securing at least a share of the Big East regular-season championship. The Huskies, currently ranked No. 4 in the league, enter the game with a 27-3 overall record and a 17-2 conference mark, while Marquette holds a 11-19 record and 6-13 Big East slate. The matchup, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, will determine whether UConn retains its position in the tournament seeding or faces challenges from the Golden Eagles. Marquette’s performance in recent weeks has complicated UConn’s path to the tournament’s No. 7 seed. The Golden Eagles, who previously lost five straight games, defeated Providence by 22 points in a dominant showing, showcasing their potential to climb the standings. Coach Dan Hurley acknowledged Marquette’s improved play, calling them a “scary team” capable of upsetting even top-tier opponents. “They’re dangerous,” Hurley said. “It’s a tough game, it’s a scary game. But then I think they’re a scary team for people in New York (in the Big East Tournament), too.” For UConn, the game carries significant weight beyond the standings. A victory would mark the program’s 12th regular-season title, surpassing Villanova’s previous record and breaking a seven-year tie. The Huskies, however, have faced challenges in maintaining their dominance. In their previous matchup at Gampel Pavilion in early January, UConn held Marquette to 32.2% shooting and led by as many as 23 points, but the Golden Eagles have since improved. Solo Ball, a key player for UConn, emphasized the importance of the game. “This game that we’re going into right now is a championship.#uconn_men_basketball #marquette_men_basketball #fiserv_forum #big_east #dan_hurley
