UConn's Alex Karaban to Enter NBA Draft After Back-to-Back National Championships

Karl Rasmussen | Apr 18, 2024

Connecticut Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

After a sensational past two seasons at UConn, star forward Alex Karaban has announced his intention to declare for the 2024 NBA draft.

The 21-year-old issued a statement on social media on Thursday afternoon in which he thanked the Huskies' basketball program, his coaches and the UConn fan base for the support they've shown him during his stay in Storrs.

Karaban indicated he was declaring for the draft while maintaining his college eligibility, so he could potentially return to the Huskies if he doesn't feel confident about his stock heading into the draft in June.

🐺💙 pic.twitter.com/TdGEsmDKrQ

— Alex Karaban (@AlexKaraban) April 18, 2024

As recently as last week, Karaban had still not made his decision regarding his playing future. During Saturday's national championship parade, the 6'8" forward said that he was still mulling things and waiting for "that gut feeling."

He's now made that decision, putting his name forth for the draft while also keeping the door open for a return. He'll have until June 16 to go through the draft process and determine whether he wants to forgo his college eligibility and turn professional.

Karaban was a key piece for the Huskies as the school became the first Division I program to win back-to-back national championships since Florida in 2005–06 and '06–'07. In '23–24, Karaban averaged 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting at a 37.9% clip from three-point range.