As March Madness draws closer to its end, many players will soon say goodbye to their college programs. Alex Karaban, who has been with UConn since 2022, is one such player. Based on his latest comments, leaving Connecticut may be much more difficult for him than for most.
The Huskies secured a hard-fought victory against Tom Izzo’s Michigan State, beating them 67–63. The win sends UConn to the Elite Eight for a showdown against Duke. But it also means Karaban could potentially be playing his final games for the Huskies.
Speaking to Tracy Wolfson after the game, Karaban admitted that the moment stirred honest emotions about the possibility of his college career coming to an end. “Selfishly, I don’t want my career to end,” he said. “I love this team and I really want to keep going with this group.”
"Selfishly, I don't want my career to end…I love this team and I really want to keep going with this group." – Alex Karaban to @TracyWolfson pic.twitter.com/Yq3zN3nM7Y
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) March 28, 2026
Karaban’s words reflected the deep connection he has built at UConn over the years. The forward has won two national championships while playing a key leadership role for the team. He already holds a special place in school history thanks to his influence on the program.
Karaban was also inducted into the Huskies of Honor, a recognition given to athletes who have made noteworthy contributions to UConn basketball. The honor highlights how much he has meant to the program and its fans during one of the most successful stretches in recent Huskies history.
Now, as UConn prepares for a tough challenge against Duke, Karaban’s experience will once again play a key role in helping the Huskies pursue another victory. The 23-year-old would undoubtedly love to end his college journey with another March Madness title.