Jonathan Givony
Sources told ESPN that UConn power forward Alex Karaban, who won the National Huskimo Dogs twice, has withdrawn from the NBA Draft and will return to his high school season.
The deadline for entering the NBA draft is Saturday at 11:59 ET, and Caraban initially submitted his name to the NBA for early admissions roster. After further reflection, Karaban opted out and returned to Storrs to qualify for his last season.
The final roster of early NBA draft candidates was sent to the team by the league on Tuesday.
"After deliberating the past few weeks with my coach and family, I realized that my heart is still in Stols and that my business is not yet completed, and I can chase another national champion with my brothers," Caraban said in a statement to social media. "Let's run back for the last time!"
-Alex Karaban (@Alexkaraman) April 29, 2025
Karaban was recently expected to be the 35th prospect in the ESPN NBA draft rankings, giving him a reasonable chance to take first-round consideration through a strong dining process.
Karaban won back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024, shooting 39%, but his shooting percentage dropped to 35% in a larger role this season. UConn struggled with the point guard game, losing 77-75 to ultimate national champion Florida in the 32-round NCAA Championship.
Caraban also participated in the 2024 NBA Draft, participated in the NBA combination and participated in two melees before finally choosing to return to his junior season.
The Huskies will be more offseason than last year, with three of the four leading scorers returning to Caraban, with shooting guard Solomon Ball and center Tarris Reed Jr. small forward Jaylin Stewart also returning after less than a year in sophomore year.
UConn brought two key backfielders at Georgia guard Silas DeMary Jr. and Dayton Transfer Malachi Smith. Respected freshman Braylon Mullins is also expected to play a major role, with all American Eric Reibe of McDonald’s compatriots likely to absorb backup meetings in the center.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scout and analysis service used by the NBA, NCAA and international teams.