BREAKING: UConn Men’s Basketball Star Earns Spot on Karl Malone Award Watch List

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – UConn men’s basketball redshirt-junior Alex Karaban has made a significant mark as he was named to the Naismith Starting 5 – Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Top 20 Preseason Watch List.

This prestigious award recognizes the nation’s top power forward at the end of the regular season.Karaban, a 6-foot-8 forward from Southborough, Massachusetts, is the lone returning starter from UConn’s back-to-back championship teams and is expected to take on a larger role this season as the Huskies aim for a third consecutive title.

Last season, he averaged 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, showcasing his potential to excel further this year.Joining Karaban on various preseason watch lists are his teammates Aidan Mahaney, who is on the Jerry West Award watch list, and Liam McNeeley, who is recognized on the Julius Erving Award watch list.

Notably, Karaban is one of three players from the BIG EAST Conference included in the Malone Award watch list, alongside Providence’s Bryce Hopkins and Villanova’s Eric Dixon.

As UConn prepares for the upcoming season, Karaban’s recognition reflects not only his individual talent but also the program’s continued prominence in college basketball. The Huskies have yet to win a Malone Award in their history, making this season an exciting opportunity for Karaban to change that narrative.