After helping lead the University of Connecticut (UConn) mens’ basketball team to back-to-back NCAA National Championships, former Algonquin player and Southborough native Alex Karaban returned to the school to host a youth basketball camp.
The forward is a central reason behind UConn’s success. He averaged 13.3 points per game in the 2023-2024 season and started in both National Championship games. His passion for the sport was strengthened when he attended Algonquin for his freshman year in 2019 before transferring to a private school.
“It was by far my favorite year of high school,” Karaban said. “I was playing in front of my friends and family, going to school with people I had known since first grade and really just being around with them for another year. I was cherishing all the months that we had.”
After receiving dozens of Division I offers, Karaban chose UConn and has found immense success.
“I’ve always wanted to play in a National Championship game and I’ve been blessed to be in two and win two; I would have never thought that would happen. It’s been incredible to have a role helping the team win and to do it at a school too that’s local and nearby. I didn’t have to go far to accomplish my dreams.”
This year, Karaban decided to remove himself from the NBA draft to play his junior year at UConn in an effort to improve and reach new goals.
“I have a lot more to show in my game and at the same time, I’m going for a three-peat,” Karaban said. “There’s only been one person who has won three national championships in college basketball. If I could add myself to history and be one of those guys, that would be insane.”
Following his accomplishments, Karaban wanted to give back to the community.
“When Coach Doherty was here I went to his camps every year,” Karaban said. “I’ve always wanted to do something like that, too. Just being able to give back and do something fun with the kids; it meant a lot to me having been in their position. Hopefully they reach playing Division I basketball or whatever they aspire to do.”
Many of the kids in attendance cited Karaban as a role model. He attributes his success to the hard work that he put into basketball.
“It was consistency and discipline that I had in my life,” Karaban said. “Just making sure that I got my work in every day and really trusting the process. I always did what was best for me and my family and I think it ultimately paid off.”
This dedication is what motivated many parents to sign their kids up for the program. Jeff Dimick was the father of one of the campers in attendance.
“We’re big UConn fans and we believe in Alex Karaban as a player,” Dimick said. “The skills that he can teach our daughter to play and use on the court are very valuable.”
Dimick lives in Connecticut and the family traveled over an hour to see Karaban.
“He’s super popular, even down where we are,” Dimick said. “He’s a great on-court coach and presence.”
Eighth-grader Brigid Staunton was similarly motivated.
“I thought it would be a fun experience to learn from somebody who is so successful and came from Algonquin,” Staunton said.
The camp consisted of drills, scrimmages and Q&A sessions with Karaban.
“Getting to meet him was probably my favorite part of the camp,” Staunton said. “He had great feedback.”
