UConn's Karaban Last MA Local Alive In March Madness 2024

MASSACHUSETTS — It was a homecoming of sorts for Connecticut's Alex Karaban this week, when his UConn Huskies continued their reign of terror at Boston's TD Garden.

The Huskies have dominated the last two NCAA Tournaments, taking home the championship in 2023 and romping through this year's field, including an Elite Eight matchup against Illinois which featured a 30-0 run on Saturday.

That 30-0 run continued UConn's dominance and means that, at least for one more round, a Massachusetts local will remain in contention for an NCAA championship.

Karaban, a Southborough local, is the lone Bay State local left after TJ Power and Duke fell to upstart North Carolina State and Tre Norman and Marquette were ousted in the Sweet 16.

For those looking for a new team to root for, here's what to know about Karaban:

Aside from his love for Westborough Uhlman's Ice Cream — "it's the best ice cream, I try to go there every summer" — Karaban's major hoops connection to New England came in New Hampshire.

He began his prep career at Algonquin Regional High before moving on to New Hampton School in New Hampton, New Hampshire, where he was named the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year. He finished his prep years at Florida’s IMG Academy.

Karaban made his return to this March Madness for the second year after a freshman year averaging nearly 10 points and over four rebounds a game for the National Champion Huskies.

In 2023-2024 he's now averaging nearly 14 points and five rebounds a game for a UConn team many expect to make the Final Four and possibly repeat as champions.

Though he hasn't matched those scoring totals in tournament play thus far, Karaban is a pugnacious defender and a major cog for the Huskies when it comes to ball movement.