Speaking this week on the popular 'Pardon My Take' podcast, outgoing UConn basketball star Alex Karaban told an incredible story about how he ended up committing to Dan Hurley's program.

While sitting with 'Big Cat' and 'PFT Commenter,' Karaban said that his initial visit to UConn focused solely on basketball. However, when Hurley called him up and asked him 'What do we have to do to get you?' Karaban remarked that the program needed to have another visit, talking solely about academics. His mom had been disappointed that academics wasn't mentioned once in the initial visit. Karaban told Hurley that if his mom gave the green light to commit, he could commit, but that wouldn't come without some academics talk.

A week later, Karaban had a 12-hour visit at UConn again, doing nothing but learning about academics. He even remarked that the current university president led the visit - and that he and his mom are now good friends.

Karaban graduated with a degree in economics. 

You can listen to the story below:

We'd say the decision to go to UConn worked out pretty well for Karaban, his family and Hurley.

A two-time national champion, Karaban is one of the most beloved UConn players of all-time. A four-year player at a time when almost no one is a four-year player at the same school, he is the winningest player in program history. A two-time All-Big East selection, he averaged 12.5 ppg for his career to go along with five rebounds.

He's already been inducted into the 'Huskies of Honor' and is set to be selected in next week's NBA Draft. He's had several pre-draft workouts and figures to be a late first-round pick or an early second-round pick.

Listed at 6-foot-8, there are questions about if he's quick enough to play on the perimeter in the NBA, but his shooting numbers at the NBA Combine prove there is a spot for him somewhere in the league.

He played in 151 games at UConn, including 150 starts, also the most in program history. He averaged 13.2 ppg this past season as UConn got to another national title game, losing to Michigan. 

The UConn football team starts off its season on Sept. 5 against Lafayette. The Huskies are coming off a nine-win season and we recently took a look at the biggest question for new head coach Jason Candle heading into the campaign.

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