Alex Karaban.. The Return

05/30/24 • 29 min

Locked On UConn - Daily Podcast on University of Connecticut Huskies Football and Basketball

On Today’s episode it's all about the huge news: Alex Karaban is returning for his junior season, bolstering UConn's chances for a historic three-peat. We’ll dive into what this means for the Huskies, discuss the team's exciting new lineup, and explore potential options, plus the ridiculous way the lame media continues to disrespect the Huskies

Show Notes:

Introduction:

Thanks for making Locked On UCONN your first listen every day. Free and available wherever you get podcasts and on YouTube. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network – Your Team, Every Day.

Please subscribe to our channel and leave a 5-star review if you enjoy the show.

Shout out to our everyday listeners for their support.

Segment 1: Alex Karaban’s Return

Alex Karaban withdraws from the NBA Draft to return to UConn for his junior season.

Key player stats: Averaged 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds per game, and shot 38% from 3-point range last season.

Dan Hurley's praise for Karaban's game intelligence and clutch performances.

Impact on UConn's bid for a historic three-peat, akin to John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins.

Gametime Ad Spot:

Excitement for the NBA Finals and getting tickets with the Gametime app.

Last-minute deals, all-in pricing, and panoramic seat views.

Mention of a specific game deal.

Gametime’s lowest price guarantee.

Call-to-action: Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LockedOnCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

Segment 2: UConn’s Depth and Potential Lineups

Discussion on the depth of the team and potential starting lineups.

Unofficial starting lineup: Hass, Aidan Mahaney, Liam McNeeley, Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed Jr.

Bench and small ball lineups.

Speculations on players likely to see fewer minutes.

Lineup combinations for different game strategies, including a “Lineup of Death.”

The Disrespect is real for how Uconn is being perceived in the media

#uconnbasketball #connecticut #uconn #transferportal #basketball #collegebasketball #huskies #uconnhuskies

Show Notes:

Introduction:

Thanks for making Locked On UCONN your first listen every day. Free and available wherever you get podcasts and on YouTube. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network – Your Team, Every Day.

Please subscribe to our channel and leave a 5-star review if you enjoy the show.

Shout out to our everyday listeners for their support.

Segment 1: Alex Karaban’s Return

Alex Karaban withdraws from the NBA Draft to return to UConn for his junior season.

Key player stats: Averaged 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds per game, and shot 38% from 3-point range last season.

Dan Hurley's praise for Karaban's game intelligence and clutch performances.

Impact on UConn's bid for a historic three-peat, akin to John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins.

Gametime Ad Spot:

Excitement for the NBA Finals and getting tickets with the Gametime app.

Last-minute deals, all-in pricing, and panoramic seat views.

Mention of a specific game deal.

Gametime’s lowest price guarantee.

Call-to-action: Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LockedOnCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply.

Segment 2: UConn’s Depth and Potential Lineups

Discussion on the depth of the team and potential starting lineups.

Unofficial starting lineup: Hass, Aidan Mahaney, Liam McNeeley, Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed Jr.

Bench and small ball lineups.

Speculations on players likely to see fewer minutes.

Lineup combinations for different game strategies, including a “Lineup of Death.”

The Disrespect is real for how Uconn is being perceived in the media

#uconnbasketball #connecticut #uconn #transferportal #basketball #collegebasketball #huskies #uconnhuskies

Previous Episode

UConn's Ceiling with our without Alex Karaban.

On this episode of @LockedOnUConn Mark Zanetto discusses the Celing or Floor with the decision of Alex Karaban looming and the deadline tonight. Also who benefits on the current roster from a Karaban departure.

UConn’s Ceiling with Alex Karaban

Opening Statement: Preseason No. 1 and betting favorites for the national title.

Discussion Points:

Return of three key contributors and four talented sophomores.

Top 10 recruiting class adds depth and talent.

Alex Karaban's influence: Leadership, calming presence, and performance.

Ceiling: National title contention.

Floor: Elite Eight or Final Four appearance.

Challenges: Potential tough games in Texas and Providence.

Trust in Dan Hurley’s postseason performance.

Teaser: Coming up, we’ll discuss what the team looks like playing "Ceiling or Floor" without Alex Karaban.

Fan Engagement:

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Segment 2: UConn Without Alex Karaban

Opening Statement: Impact of losing Alex Karaban’s stats and leadership.

Discussion Points:

Ceiling Without Alex: Top 15 finish, 3-4 seed in the tournament, top 3 in Big East.

Opportunities for players to step up (e.g., Tristen Newton).

Floor Without Alex: Middle-of-the-pack Big East team, potential 9 seed.

Challenges: Replacing leadership and production.

Trust in Dan Hurley’s roster management skills.

Teaser: Coming up, we’ll explore which players benefit if Alex decides to leave.

Segment 3: Who Benefits If Alex Leaves?

Opening Statement: Identifying the players who will step up in Alex Karaban’s absence.

Discussion Points:

Jayden Ross: Potential breakout as a three-level scorer and elite athlete.

Liam McNeeley: Likely to earn a starting spot.

Jaylin Stewart: Expected to fill in seamlessly, building on his strong performances.

Team Dynamics: Using Alex’s departure as motivation to fill the void.

Next Episode

Demand Respect

Welcome to Locked On UConn, In this Episode Mark Zanetto talks about how ridiculous it is that Uconn is still disrespected after winning back-to-back titles and talks about the threats to Uconn in the big east, with his power rankings.

Zanetto expresses frustration over UConn not being consistently ranked No. 1 in preseason polling, despite strong track record and past titles.

Highlights UConn’s losses and gains over the 2022-2024 seasons, emphasizing the team's high performance in NCAA tournaments.

Asserts that UConn has the No. 1 coaching staff and organization in the country, turning zero-star recruits into star players.

Emphasizes trust in Coach Dan Hurley and his staff’s ability to develop talent and manage the team effectively.

Criticizes the media for not recognizing UConn’s achievements and potential.

Upcoming Topics:

Discussion on the threats to UConn in the Big East, including detailed analysis of teams like Xavier, Creighton, Marquette, St. John’s, Providence, Butler, Georgetown, Seton Hall, Villanova, and DePaul

#uconnbasketball #connecticut #basketball #bigeast #uconnhuskies #xavier #creighton #stjohns #marquette #georgetown #depaul #setonhall #providence #butler