Story by
Karaban Explains How UConn Prepared Him for Sacramento
- Story by
- Karaban Explains How UConn Prepared Him for Sacramento
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Alex Karaban's transition from UConn to the Sacramento Kings comes with something many NBA rookies never experience in college.
He is a result of a proven championship foundation.
After four seasons and two national titles under Dan Hurley, the first-round pick believes those experiences have prepared him for the next stage of his basketball career .
Advertisement
Although Karaban is still adjusting to life as an NBA player, he said wearing a Kings jersey has made everything feel real.
"It's sunk in a little bit now after wearing the jersey and just being in the facility," he said. "It's been a blessing. I'm super excited to be a King and can't wait to see where my career takes me."
Karaban's journey to UConn almost never happened. While basketball initially drove his recruitment, academics became the deciding factor after his family emphasized education during the process.
"They sent a van to my house, and it was strictly an 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. academic visit," Karaban recalled. "It got the job done and allowed me to commit."
Advertisement
That decision paid off for both sides. Karaban helped lead the Huskies to consecutive NCAA championships while leaving as the program's all-time leader in made three-pointers and setting school records for games played, games started, minutes, and victories.
More importantly, he believes coach Hurley's demanding coaching style prepared him for the realities of professional basketball. Rather than pointing to championships alone, Karaban said the daily habits developed at UConn are what will benefit him most with Sacramento.
"He's extremely honest with you," Karaban said. "He's never going to sugarcoat whether you're doing something good or bad. He's going to be my mentor. He's someone I'm always going to look up to."
"I've seen every scenario at UConn through the wins, the losses, the championships," he said. "I know how hard it is to win. Those winning characteristics and what you're supposed to do on a daily basis can easily be carried over to the NBA and help change the culture."
Advertisement
Karaban also sees similarities between the fan bases that supported him in Connecticut and the one waiting for him in Sacramento.
"The fans are super passionate," he said. "Part of the reason why I loved UConn so much was the fans. That's going to be the same thing with the Kings. You want to play hard, and you want to win for the city."
Karaban is expected to continue his Summer League campaign with the Kings against the Brooklyn Nets, where he'll look to build on the championship mindset that made him one of the most accomplished players in UConn history.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
Advertisement
It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP ( https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!
