UConn's Alex Karaban Leads Huskies to Elite Eight

The junior forward's on-court production and off-court leadership have been crucial to UConn's March Madness run.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Alex Karaban, a junior forward for the University of Connecticut men's basketball team, has been a driving force behind the Huskies' success in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. With his 16 NCAA Tournament wins as a starter, Karaban is tied for the third-most in history, and his on-court performance and off-court leadership have been instrumental in UConn's run to the Elite Eight.

Why it matters

Karaban's leadership and play have been crucial for a UConn team that lost four starters from its back-to-back national championship teams. His ability to step up and guide the Huskies through adversity has been a key factor in their tournament success.

The details

In UConn's 67-63 win over Michigan State in the Sweet Sixteen, Karaban scored 17 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and blocked 2 shots. He and teammate Tarris Reed Jr. combined to score 24 of the Huskies' 32 points in the second half, including a crucial 3-pointer from Karaban late in the game to put UConn up by four. Karaban's composure and decision-making have been invaluable for the Huskies.

  • Karaban has started in 16 NCAA Tournament games, tying him for the third-most all-time.
  • UConn will face No. 1 seed Duke in the Elite Eight on Sunday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Alex Karaban

A junior forward for the University of Connecticut men's basketball team, Karaban has established himself as one of the most decorated players in UConn history, with two national championships, the school's all-time records for NCAA Tournament wins as a starter and career games played, and the third-most career NCAA Tournament points in program history.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the University of Connecticut men's basketball team, Hurley has guided the Huskies to back-to-back national championships and now the Elite Eight in 2026. Karaban's leadership and play have been crucial to Hurley's success.

Tarris Reed Jr.

A sophomore forward for the University of Connecticut, Reed has been a key contributor alongside Karaban in the Huskies' tournament run, scoring 20 points in the Sweet Sixteen victory over Michigan State.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I refuse to lose and really do anything to help this team win. The main thing in the huddle that really stuck with me is coach saying, 'Go out there and fire, have no regrets at the end of this,' when Michigan State started making their run. That just really stuck with me.”

— Alex Karaban, Junior Forward, University of Connecticut

“It's like having an associate head coach that is in the locker room, that lives in the apartments, that is in the dining [room], that is in the weight room, that's peer pressuring his teammates to do extra. It's like having a top assistant that's on your team and always around your players.”

— Dan Hurley, Head Coach, University of Connecticut

What’s next

UConn will face No. 1 seed Duke in the Elite Eight on Sunday, March 31, 2026, with a chance to advance to the Final Four.

The takeaway

Alex Karaban's leadership and play have been instrumental in UConn's tournament run, as the junior forward has emerged as one of the most decorated players in program history. His ability to guide the Huskies through adversity and make winning plays has been crucial to their success, and he will look to lead them to the Final Four in his final NCAA Tournament.