Alex Karaban is making serious noise at the NBA Draft Combine, and it's the kind of performance that could change his entire draft night. The former UConn standout and two-time NCAA champion stepped into the spotlight on Tuesday, and he didn't disappoint.
In the shooting drills, Karaban lit it up from the floor. He knocked down 22 of 30 shots off the dribble and went 18-for-25 in the 3-point star drill—numbers that turned heads among scouts in attendance. While some might see this as a breakout moment, it's actually nothing new for the 6'8" forward. Over four seasons with the Huskies, he shot a solid 37.4% from deep on more than five attempts per game. This combine performance just put that skill on a bigger stage.
But it wasn't just his shooting that impressed. Karaban also showed off some serious physical development. Since last year's combine, he's added 5.5 inches to his vertical leap—a noticeable jump that could help him defend at the next level. Originally projected as an early second-round pick, this kind of athletic leap could be the difference between hearing his name called on Day 1 or Day 2 of the draft. And that's not just about pride—moving into the first round comes with a guaranteed contract and a significantly bigger paycheck.
With the shooting and agility drills in the books, all eyes now turn to the scrimmages scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. That's where Karaban can prove he's more than just a catch-and-shoot specialist—he can play winning basketball, just like he did in Storrs.
Whether you're tracking draft stock or just love a good underdog story, Karaban's combine run is one to watch. And if you're looking to channel that same energy on the court, the right gear makes all the difference. Stay locked in.
