As the pressure builds ahead of one of the biggest games of the college basketball season, respect is also flowing between opponents. Ahead of UConn’s Final Four matchup against the Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball, Alex Karaban received some very honest praise from the rival coach.
Karaban owns one of the most impressive resumes in recent college basketball history. The UConn senior has already won the NCAA Tournament twice and could potentially claim a third title in four years. Illinois head coach Brad Underwood clearly understands Karaban’s value and did not hesitate to share his admiration.
During an appearance on ‘The Rich Eisen Show’, Underwood openly praised the Huskies forward, calling Karaban one of his “favorite players in the country.” After making such a strong statement, Underwood was later asked why he holds the 23-year-old in such high regard. His answer was simple: “Winner. Winner.”
The Illinois coach elaborated further, saying, “Dives on the floor for loose balls... Never comes off the floor. Guards, fights, competes, all the intangible things that it takes to win games. He has been instilled with all of those”.
While UConn boasts elite talent throughout its roster, Karaban’s leadership and effort have made him the kind of player coaches trust. The versatile forward has built his reputation on doing whatever the team needs to succeed.
And undoubtedly, Dan Hurley values having a player like Karaban on his roster. As UConn moves closer to potentially securing a third championship under Hurley, Karaban will be determined to capture one final ring before departing the program.
