‘Let’s run it back’: Karaban returns to UConn

Jeff Borzello, ESPN Staff WriterMay 29, 2024, 03:50 PM ET

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• Basketball recruiting expert.
• Signed up with ESPN in 2014.
• Graduate of University of Delaware.Alex Karaban announced Wednesday that

  he is withdrawing from the NBA draft and will return to UConn for his junior season, improving the Huskies’ chances for a 3rd straight nationwide championship.Karaban made his statement with a post on X: “While I’ve enjoyed

  the draft process, Storrs is home. Let’s run it back. “A 6-foot-9 forward, Karaban becomes one of the highest-ranked potential customers to withdraw his name and return to college. He balanced 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds last season, shooting 37.9%from 3-point variety while beginning 39 of 40 games for the Huskies.Editor’s Picks 2 Associated Karaban scored at least 20 points on eight events, including 23 points and 5 3-pointers in an essential early March win at Marquette. He also showed up huge in the Last Four,

  making a set of 3-pointers and ending up with 14 points and 8 boards versus Alabama to assist UConn advance to the title game.It was a step forward from his freshman project, when he started 38 games and balanced 9.3 points and 4.5 rebounds.Karaban is the only returning starter for the Huskies, as forecasted lottery choices Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan left early for the NBA draft and senior guards Tristen Newton and Webcam Spencer used up their eligibility.

  All five players were invited to the NBA draft combine.Coach Dan Hurley refilled the UConn lineup in the offseason, adding transfers Aidan Mahaney( Saint Mary’s)and Tarris Reed(Michigan) along with signing top-10 possibility Liam McNeeley last month. Rotation players Samson Johnson, Hassan Diarra, Solomon

  Ball and Jaylin Stewart are all back and anticipated to make strides next season.Karaban was ranked No. 36 in ESPN’s NBA draft rankings, and his return most likely vaults UConn into the top five of ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25.