The quest for a three-peat has fallen upon head coach Dan Hurley and UConn Huskies. Gone are the days featuring Jordan Hawkins, Donovan Clingan, Cam Spencer, Andre Jackson, Tristen Newton, and Stephon Castle. While this year’s team may look a bit different comparatively speaking, there is one returning player ready to take the next step in assuming the role of the leader of this squad.
On Wednesday, the Huskies took care of business — beating Sacred Heart in the season opener by a score of 92-56. Highly touted freshman wing Liam McNeeley demonstrated why he’s considered to be a future lottery pick. He scored 18 points on only 11 shots, and also grabbed 10 rebounds for good measure.
However, the real story is Alex Karaban. The junior was a core member of both National Title teams. An athletic glue guy on those squad, he’s now the lone returning starter from last season. In the process, we’re quickly seeing someone who can be a top option. He scored a team-high 20 points on 7-of-9 from the field (5-of-7 from three). While that level of efficiency was impressive, it was more so the secondary statistics that flew off the page. Karaban grabbed six rebounds, accrued seven assists, and — for good measure — had seven (!) blocks. We knew Karaban to be an athletic spot-up shooter, but this level of playmaking coupled with defensive prowess truly has him looking like a future 1st-round pick himself.
Rounding out the starting five alongside Karaban and McNeeley included Solo Ball, Samson Johnson, and St. Mary’s transfer Aidan Mahaney. Mahaney had a rough debut with the Huskies, going scoreless in 23 minutes. Having said that, Michigan transfer Tarris Reed Jr. was a monster on the boards — grabbing 11 rebounds and scoring 15 points in only 23 minutes.
You better start learning the names of these players. By the looks of it, UConn feels like it’s poised to compete for another National Championship in 2024-25.
