UConn's Alex Karaban Chases Third NCAA Title in Final Game

Redshirt senior has chance to become 10th player to win 3 NCAA championships.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:33am

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UConn's Alex Karaban is set to play in his third NCAA championship game, a rare accomplishment in the modern era of college basketball. Karaban, a redshirt senior, started his career with back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024 and now has a chance to become only the 10th player to win three NCAA championships. Known for his leadership and championship experience, Karaban has been a key part of the Huskies' run to the title game.

Why it matters

Karaban's journey is unique in today's college basketball landscape, where players often transfer or leave early for the NBA. His ability to stay at one school for four years and win multiple titles is a testament to his commitment and the culture he has helped build at UConn. A third championship would cement his legacy as one of the great players in Huskies history.

The details

Karaban is 18-1 in three NCAA Tournament appearances, tying him for second on the all-time list of tournament wins as a starter. He has played in 150 games at UConn, the most of any high-major player at one school. If the Huskies beat Michigan, Karaban would become only the 10th player to win three NCAA titles after playing in the championship game, joining an exclusive club of UCLA players from the Wooden era.

  • Karaban started his career with back-to-back championship seasons in 2023 and 2024.
  • Karaban's UConn career will come to an end with Monday's NCAA championship game against Michigan.

The players

Alex Karaban

A redshirt senior at UConn who has won two NCAA championships and is seeking a third in his final game.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn Huskies, who has praised Karaban's leadership and experience.

Braylon Mullins

A UConn player who hit a game-winning 3-pointer in the Elite Eight against Duke, with Karaban making the pass.

Jaylin Stewart

A junior at UConn who has seen Karaban's leadership in practice and games.

Jayden Ross

A junior at UConn who has also witnessed Karaban's ability to motivate and hold teammates accountable.

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What they’re saying

“You dream of being on this stage one time, and to be heading into it for a third time, it's a blessing.”

— Alex Karaban, UConn Redshirt Senior

“We'll be in practice, maybe he thinks we're BS'ing a little bit and he gets in our huddle and he'll let it rip on some guys. He does a good job of knowing when it's time to do that and when it's time to give guys confidence.”

— Jayden Ross, UConn Junior

“When you look at how many he has won and (what) you hear Coach Hurley say about him, those are the type of guys that can bring a group together and they walk the walk, they teach all of your unwritten rules.”

— Dusty May, Michigan Head Coach

“It's like hiring a babysitter for your team.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach

What’s next

If UConn defeats Michigan, Alex Karaban will become only the 10th player in NCAA history to win three national championships.

The takeaway

Alex Karaban's journey at UConn is a rarity in today's college basketball landscape, as he has stayed at one school for four years and won multiple championships. His leadership, experience, and commitment to the Huskies' program have been instrumental to their success, and a third title would cement his legacy as one of the great players in UConn history.