UConn Rides Wave of Veteran Leadership to Elite Eight Showdown with Duke

After an emotional early exit last year, the Huskies have rallied around their experienced core to make another deep NCAA Tournament run.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:49am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The UConn men's basketball team, led by coach Dan Hurley, is back in the Elite Eight after an unexpected early exit in last year's NCAA Tournament. Despite losing key players from their back-to-back national championship teams, the Huskies have rallied around their veteran leadership, including standout forward Alex Karaban, to put together another impressive postseason run. They now face a tough matchup against Duke, with both teams looking to keep their special seasons alive.

Why it matters

UConn's ability to reload and make another deep tournament run after last year's disappointment showcases the program's resilience and the value of veteran leadership in the modern era of college basketball. The Huskies' success also highlights the challenges coaches face in maintaining championship-level teams amidst roster turnover due to the transfer portal and NIL opportunities.

The details

After a second-round exit in last year's NCAA Tournament, UConn coach Dan Hurley and his team were emotional and seemingly on the verge of a roster shakeup. However, key players like Alex Karaban and Solo Ball opted to return, joining a mix of experienced upperclassmen and new additions via the transfer portal. This veteran-laden squad has found its groove, with Karaban leading the way with a string of strong tournament performances. UConn's unique offensive system, which relies on movement and chemistry, has been a major factor in the team's success.

  • Last year, UConn was eliminated in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
  • This year, UConn has advanced to the Elite Eight and will face Duke on Sunday.

The players

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team, known for his passionate sideline demeanor.

Alex Karaban

A veteran forward for UConn who has been a key contributor during the team's tournament run, with at least 17 points in each of the last three games.

Solo Ball

A guard for UConn who reaffirmed his commitment to the team after last year's early tournament exit.

Tarris Reed Jr.

The senior center for UConn who had a game-high 20 points in the team's Sweet 16 victory over Michigan State.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, who will face UConn in the Elite Eight.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They have as good of shooting that there is in the country, and obviously Reed down low is a handful. I credit their staff, what they do offensively is terrific, it's unique.”

— Jon Scheyer, Duke Head Coach

“He's a great player. Anyone who wins two national championships is a big-time player, especially in those two runs. I think his off-ball movement is great, especially for someone his size. He's a great shooter. He shoots from way behind the line as well.”

— Cameron Boozer, Duke Forward

“I definitely feel like I'm playing my best. I feel the most confident I've felt my entire career, just riding the hot hand I have right now. I feel great. I feel coaches are putting me in great positions, teammates are having a lot of trust in me to take the shot. So I'm feeling confident right now.”

— Alex Karaban, UConn Forward

What’s next

The winner of the UConn-Duke matchup will advance to the Final Four.

The takeaway

UConn's ability to rebound from last year's early tournament exit and rally around its veteran core highlights the program's resilience and the value of experienced leadership in the modern college basketball landscape. The Huskies' unique offensive system and the continued excellence of players like Alex Karaban have them poised for another deep tournament run, setting up an intriguing Elite Eight clash with Duke.