The moment hit before the game even tipped off.

As UConn celebrated Senior Day ahead of its matchup with Seton Hall, head coach Dan Hurley struggled to hold back emotion watching Alex Karaban step into program history. The ceremony wasn’t just another senior send-off. It marked a milestone never seen during an active career at UConn.

Karaban became the first active player inducted into the Huskies of Honor, receiving a framed tribute featuring his No. 11 jersey and photos from his four-year career while family members watched courtside. Both the senior forward and Hurley were visibly emotional during the pregame presentation.

Alex Karaban is a key part of Dan Hurley’s UConn Men’s basketball team and averages over 33 minutes of action on the court every game. Karaban and Dan Hurley share a close bond, with the latter even consulting the 23-year-old when offered the Los Angeles Lakers job in 2024.

The UConn Huskies hung Karaban’s #11 jersey in the rafters at Gampel Pavilion before the game. The 23-year-old ended his last home game in style, scoring a game-high 23 points in their close win over the Seton Hall Pirates. His 23 points featured a 5-0f-6 shooting display from behind the arc as the UConn Huskies remain a game ahead of St. John’s in the Big East Standings.

A two-time NCAA Champion with UConn, Alex Karaban joins the likes of Kemba Walker, Richard Hamilton, Rudy Gay, Emeka Okafor, and Ray Allen to become part of the Huskies of Honor list. The 23-year-old has amassed 1729 points during his four-year playing career at UConn and is likely to enter the top 10 of the list of the highest-scoring player tallies for the Huskies.

For now, Alex Karaban is likely keen to contribute to a third NCAA Championship title for UConn while also hoping to join the aforementioned names and other UConn players in making the successful leap to the NBA.

Alex Karaban continues to divide NBA Draft projection debates

While the 23-year-old made history by becoming the first active player to be added to the Huskies of Honor list at UConn, the focus will soon shift towards the business end of the season and the NBA Draft that is fast approaching.

Karaban entered the 2024 Draft but withdrew and played a full four years of college basketball with the UConn Huskies. The 23-year-old has grown into a reliable forward and fits the modern 3-and-D mold. Karaban has shot around the 40% range from the three-point line and has visibly improved in passing, setting efficient screens, and team-oriented offense.

While most mock drafts project the 23-year-old to be a second-round pick, he can be a useful rotation option immediately for several teams looking to add more outside shooters to their rosters. If he can produce a points-per-minute contribution similar to his college years, coaches could use the 23-year-old as an efficient bench addition.

To add to it, Karaban brings along the winning pedigree from his college basketball career, a somewhat overlooked component during mock drafts. The UConn senior could be a great addition to franchises searching for more leadership in the locker room. The 23-year-old could guarantee himself a first-round selection if he leads the UConn Huskies to a third NCAA Championship during his time.