Experience inspires Karaban for an encore
Alex Karaban, the 6-foot-8 forward who was unanimously named to the Big East’s All-Freshman team as a starter for the Huskies, was able to spend some time at home in Southborough, Mass., after cutting down the net – occasionally going back to Storrs for a workout or a championship celebration.
When his parents found out he was going the White House, “They were shocked,” he said, his youthful smile behind the beard that brought him luck.
“They didn’t expect it. I know they watched the livestream and they really couldn’t believe it. They were just super happy for me.”
Karaban’s place on the East Room risers was back row in the center behind Hassan Diarra and to the right of Donovan Clingan – who he spent Tuesday with, surprising Dunkin’ customers to support children’s hospitals. While decision time approaches for stars Andre Jackson, who handed Biden his No. 46 UConn jersey, and Tristen Newton, who had the lucky spot on the end, right behind the President’s podium, those three have already placed all of their eggs in the back-to-back basket.
“I feel great about the group, I know we have the experience now after winning it all, and the coaching staff does a great job developing players so I know I’ll make that jump, Donovan and everyone else will,” Karaban said. “We haven’t seen the best of Samson (Johnson), we haven’t seen the best of Hassan – I already know what they’ll bring.
“And then the freshmen as well. We’re gonna have to get them adjusted, we’re gonna have to get them acclimated, they’re gonna be huge parts for us. So we really got to get them going. And I think once we get through the summer together and start clicking together, I think we’ll be just fine.”
With Jordan Hawkins and Sanogo set on staying in the NBA Draft, Jackson and Newton have until Wednesday to make their decisions. Hurley said the freshman class, ranked No. 3 in the nation by 247Sports, starts to move onto campus this weekend.