UConn's Alex Karaban Announces Career News Before Illinois Game

Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

UConn's Alex Karaban Announces Career News Before Illinois Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 2:00 PM ET

The No. 2 seed UConn Huskies are coming off a close 73-72 win over the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight. Forward Alex Karaban was relatively quiet in the win, accumulating five points , three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. However, with a Final Four matchup against the No. 3 Illinois Fighting Illini, he will look to play up to his normal standard.

Throughout the season, the redshirt senior has been one of UConn's best players. In 38 games, Karaban is averaging 13.2 points (second on the team), 5.2 rebounds (second on the team) and 2.3 assists per game. He is also shooting 47.5% from the field and 38.6% from beyond the three-point line.

UConn Huskies forward Alex Karaban (11).© Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

As a top performer for one of the most prominent teams in college basketball, he's earned several exciting off-court opportunities. Throughout the season, he's revealed Name, Image and Likeness deals with Ramp, NBA 2K and Great Clips.

On Friday, a day before taking on Illinois, the forward announced a new collaboration. In a joint post with teammates Solo Ball and Tarris Reed Jr., Karaban revealed a partnership with CVS.

"Shop your superstitions at CVS," the caption read. "Comment below your superstition on Game Day. @cvspharmacy @postgame.official #CVSMadness #CVSPartner."

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On3 estimates Karaban's NIL valuation to be at $485,000. That is the third highest for anyone on the Huskies, behind guard Silas Demary Jr. ($1.1 million) and guard Braylon Mullins ($803,000).

Without any more years of eligibility, the redshirt senior is running out of time to cash in on these NIL partnerships. ESPN ranks him as the 30th-best player and 13th-best forward to potentially be available in the 2026 NBA Draft.

For now, though, Karaban and UConn are focused on Illinois. DraftKings currently has the Huskies as 1.5-point underdogs. Tipoff is Saturday at 6:09 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium, airing on TBS, truTV and HBO Max.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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