Alex Karaban holds head high as historic UConn career ends with pain of title game loss: ‘Gave everything’

INDIANAPOLIS — Alex Karaban’s voice cracked. It was starting to settle in.

He had just finished his memorable Connecticut career on the wrong side of a 69-63 result on the final night of the college basketball season.

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“I’m just reminding myself right now that when I came into UConn, how much I’ve grown, and I’m ultimately leaving UConn in a better place right now from where I started,” the two-time national champion from Southborough, Mass., said. “I gave it everything I got. I gave it my heart. I gave everything. All I thought about was UConn basketball every single day.”

Alex Karaban #11 of the UConn Huskies looks on during the press conference after being defeated by the Michigan Wolverines 69-63 in the National Championship. Getty Images

Karaban’s final game was a terrific 17-point, 11-rebound effort. He played all 40 minutes. The ball was in his hands when the final buzzer sounded, with Karaban sprinting into the backcourt for a loose ball.

“I figured, let me play him into the ground one more time, just one more 40-minute game for Alex,” coach Dan Hurley said. “He deserved to play 40 minutes.”

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As Michigan players celebrated and confetti fell, Karaban slowly walked to the bench. After experiencing the joy of two championships, he found himself on the losing end of a title game. Still, he chose to focus on the positives.

Braylon Mullins #24, Solo Ball #1 and Alex Karaban #11 of the UConn Huskies react after being defeated by the Michigan Wolverines 69-63 in the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Getty Images

UConn Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11) shoots the ball against Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg (23) in the second half during the national championship of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

“I’m blessed that I’ve been able to wear this…

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Publish date : 2026-04-07 05:17:00

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