Karaban Named To NABC Player of the Year Watch Checklist

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – UConn males’s basketball standout Alex Karaban has been named to the preseason watch checklist for the 2026 NABC Division I Player of the Year award, The National Association of Basketball Coaches introduced on Thursday (Oct. 30). Karaban is considered one of 20 gamers nationally to make the checklist and considered one of two from the BIG EAST.

The 2026 NABC Division I Player of the Year – to be chosen by a nationwide vote of Division I head coaches on the conclusion of the common season – will probably be introduced the week of the 2026 Men’s Final Four.

Karaban has cemented himself as considered one of school basketball’s nice winners throughout his time in Storrs. The four-year starter and two-time nationwide champion has led the Huskies to a 92-22 file (.807) throughout his time at UConn and is likely one of the top-30 scorers in program historical past. He additionally ranks top-10 in program historical past in made 3-pointers and free throw share and is trending in the direction of a number of different spots within the file books.

The Southborough, Mass. native is coming off an All-Conference season as a junior, grabbing a Second Team All-BIG EAST nod after averaging 14.3 factors, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 blocks in ’24-25. He was named Preseason First Team All-BIG EAST earlier this month. In two exhibition contests for the Huskies forward of the season opener on Nov. 3, Karaban led the best way with 17.5 factors and seven.0 rebounds per recreation in wins over Boston College and Michigan State.