When the UConn men’s basketball team lost the quest for a third straight national title, Alex Karaban sat calmly by his locker some 20 minutes after the 77–75 loss to Florida. After that, he answered a couple of questions and looked just fine—until someone mentioned Hassan Diarra and Samson Johnson, whose collegiate careers ended at the Lenovo Center.
“It’s gonna be tough,” he said. “Imagine a locker room without them?… It’s gonna be hard imagining next year not being with them, not seeing a locker room with those guys.” As emotional as he was, he had to take a long pause, and then tears started to flow. After a while, he added through tears and a breaking voice, “I don’t want to take off this jersey. I really don’t.” So, everything Karaban did or said somehow reflected that he wanted to stay with Huskies Nation. But days have passed since then, and he is “still not sure on what to do”. However, his recent activity has garnered massive attention, leaving fans speculating about his upcoming move!
It all came up when Karaban was recently spotted boarding a flight to Chicago. Well, it wasn’t about him boarding a flight or leaving, or even any comments, but about where he was headed. In case you’re unaware, Chicago is the same place where Karaban made headlines last season. At that time, the Connecticut Catalyst—as part of UConn’s starting five—traveled to the Windy City to begin NBA Combine workouts. Out of that group, Cam Spencer and Karaban stood out, working out together for weeks with their agency, Priority Sports.
Just spotted Alex Karaban boarding a flight to Chicago… What could be brewing? #UConn #Huskies #onemoreyear pic.twitter.com/VtGTcpXFxh
— Matt Souza (@mattsouza) April 20, 2025
While they shared the same passion, they were on separate paths. Spencer had exhausted his college eligibility and was hoping to work his way into the NBA Draft. “He’s ready to go,” said his father, Bruce. “He’s a very focused young man.”
Karaban, on the other hand, had just finished his redshirt sophomore season with a consecutive national title win. Though he had a chance, he was committed to helping the Huskies chase a three-peat. “We’re excited for the opportunity,” Karaban’s mother, Olga, had told CT Insider. “It’s a win-win for him either way. Exciting to see what happens after the Combine—and if he comes back to UConn, it’s going to be another great year.”
Now, one year later, Karaban has landed in a similar situation. And that’s why people are speculating about his recent move. But there’s more than one reason for it!
Fans speculate: Alex Karaban’s flight to the future?
When fans noticed Alex Karaban boarding a flight to Chicago, it didn’t take long for the internet to erupt with speculation. Within minutes, fans began connecting the dots, debating his next move in the comment sections. “So just like his decision—could go either way,” one user remarked, hinting at the uncertainty surrounding his future.
The speculation gained traction because Karaban is represented by Priority Sports, a Chicago-based agency known for managing top NBA talent. While Reggie Brown is publicly listed as his representative, sources suggest that Kyle McAlarney and Mark Bartelstein are also involved in his representation. The agency offers services such as contract negotiations, marketing, and career development, making it plausible that Karaban’s visit was to discuss or finalize a key decision regarding his career.
Adding fuel to the fire, another fan chimed in, “When I asked about one more year at UConn, his body language didn’t seem too promising.” But there’s even more context behind the trip. As per NBA.com, the 2025 pre-draft events are scheduled to begin in May. The NBA G League Combine will run from May 9–11, followed by the NBA Draft Combine from May 11–18, and the Draft Lottery on May 12.
Sound familiar? Just last year, Karaban and Cam Spencer trained together in Chicago and attended the NBA Combine. “Chicago is where he trained for the NBA Combine last year,” another user pointed out, reinforcing the idea that history could be repeating itself. Whether he’s making a final decision or gearing up to participate in this year’s events, the timing of this visit is far from random.
Jan 20, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Connecticut Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) during the first half against the Villanova Wildcats at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Karaban has until April 26 to withdraw from the draft or stay in. But, statistically, his decision isn’t going to be a straightforward one. After averaging 14.3 points per game with a 43.8% field goal percentage, his draft stock is currently projected in the late second round. That uncertainty could be the reason for his delay.
Still, the reactions have been varied. One fan showed unwavering support: “Wish him success either way.” Another threw in a more humorous take: “Or maybe it’s just f–king Easter dude,” referencing the holiday weekend and reminding everyone not to overanalyze.
Yet there’s no denying Karaban’s importance to the Huskies. When he missed time due to a head injury, UConn recruit Liam McNeely noted, “A lot of guys had to step up because Alex brings so much.” Over his 111 appearances for the team, Karaban’s junior season was his most productive. He even logged 38 minutes and scored 13 points in this year’s 67–59 NCAA Tournament win over Oklahoma.
Though he didn’t get to witness a third straight national championship, his return to Storrs could rewrite history. If he comes back, Karaban would have the chance to become the only player in the past 50 years to claim the most national titles in college basketball. So what do you think—is he heading for the pros, or is there one more chapter to write in Connecticut?
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