It’s quite rare for a player to represent his team at a conference media day three years in a row. But Alex Karaban is unique. As Shaka Smart, who’s seen a lot in his coaching career, puts it best, “Karaban’s a winner. I mean, he’s just the ultimate winner to me. He does whatever it takes to win.” Yet last year, Karaban failed to take UConn past the first round of the NCAA Tournament. But what went wrong?

UConn finished last season ranked 75th in the nation in defensive efficiency-the worst mark for a Dan Hurley–coached team since he took over the program in 2018–19. Notably, the Huskies were No. 7 during their 2022–23 national championship season and No. 4 in 2023–24. So, the defensive lapses were clear, and UConn’s captain is not shy to admit it.

Speaking to CBS Sports College Basketball, Alex Karaban said, “Last year as a team, we weren’t that great defensively, and you can already see it in practice right now-just the defense, the intensity, how much focus we’ve taken onto that end-and we feel like we’re better at that end already.” Well, true. The team has already shown its potential during the exhibition game against Boston College.

While UConn won 71–52, the real story was the defense. Well, that’s because UConn forced 20 turnovers and held Boston to 31.9% shooting while outscoring the Eagles by 27–2 in that category. And that was how, despite cold shooting beyond the arc, the Huskies’ defensive aggression kept them in control.

They turned a brief second-half deficit into a 13–0 run that sealed the game. And how could you ignore an aggressive Karaban leading the way? He posted a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double, while Solo Ball and Braylon Mullins added 12 points each. So yes, quite evidently, the defensive resurgence is underway.

While the program struggled on that end last year, the staff ensured to fill in the gaps this season-and that’s exactly what makes them dangerous again. As UConn’s captain shared, “It’s an honor to be the captain for a Coach Dan Hurley squad, and really a UConn program-just one of the best programs in the entire college basketball world-so it’s an honor. I know that it is, but really just making sure I use my voice out there. I’ve seen the best moments. I’ve seen the worst moments, and really just using my voice more, and he challenges me with that on a daily basis. It’s really an honor to have him push me as much as he does.”

No doubt, Karaban has been UConn’s best player. He was pretty good last season, too. But “good” feels frustrating, given what has happened with the program since he first entered the gym back in 2022. However, it’s Dan Hurley who has acted as the catalyst in his journey. The two have a “special” bond, a close-knit relationship that fuels their championship drive. “We have gotten so much more comfortable with each other. He truly knows who I am,” Karaban told AP News’ Jim Fuller on December 30 last year. 

And even before last season, Karaban’s experience boiled down to three things-winning a championship, celebrating, and preparing for the NBA. But the season ended with a second-round NCAA Tournament loss to Florida and a 24–11 record. So here’s Karaban, back for his fifth season, his fourth as a player, caught in a spot where he has nothing to prove and everything to prove. 

What’s next for UConn?

There are still months left before the 2026 March Madness tips off, but the Huskies have already asserted their Big East dominance. Their top trio-Solo Ball, Karaban, and Tarris Reed Jr.-earned spots on the All–Big East First Team. To start with, Ball, a sharpshooting guard, brings instant offense with his 14.4 points per game and lethal 41.4% accuracy from three, ranking third in the nation with 99 triples last season.

Next up, Karaban adds versatility and leadership, averaging 14.3 points per game, while Reed Jr. anchors the paint with 9.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per contest. Together, they combine scoring power, defensive grit, and inside-out balance. And it’s the very formula that keeps UConn in championship conversations.

But beyond the trio, UConn’s roster depth runs deep. Just consider, the freshman standout Braylon Mullins, is already named Preseason Freshman of the Year. He not only adds energy and athleticism, but also averages 27.0 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.

Alongside him is Silas Demary Jr., and that’s how Huskies look every bit like a team ready to make another deep tournament run. But the real test lies ahead. They’ve now got the season opener against New Haven set for November 3 at Gampel Pavilion. So what do you think? Will UConn be able to face the challenges on its way back to March glory?