Another big milestone is in sight for the Huskies' fourth-year player.
Alex Karaban continues his march up UConn’s all-time scoring list.
He began the season in 27th place and now stands No. 14 in UConn history. His 15 points scored Saturday night in the Huskies’ win against Creighton gave him 1,651 for his UConn career, sandwiching him between Cliff Robinson (1,664 points) and Khalid El-Amin (1,650).
The record of Chris Smith, who sits atop the list, is unattainable for Karaban, a senior in his final college season. Smith scored 2,145 points in his time with the Huskies (1988-92).
But how far up the list could Karaban end his career?
Let’s do the math
Karaban is averaging 13.5 points per game for the No. 2 Huskies (21-1, 11-0 Big East), and UConn has nine games remaining in the regular season. Scoring his average over that span would give him an additional 121 points and 1,772 career points.
That number would send him to No. 10 all-time, just below UConn great Kemba Walker, who scored 1,783 points in his career (2008-11).
After the regular season ends, UConn presumably will be the No. 1 seed in the Big East tournament with a bye to the quarterfinals. Should they qualify to play in the final, that’s three games and 41 more points for 1,824.
UConn forward Alex Karaban (11) reacts after a play against Providence in the first half at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Conn., on Jan. 27. Credit: David Butler II-Imagn ImagesThe would put Karaban at No. 6 all-time, behind Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame member Ray Allen, who scored 1,922 points (1993-96) and ahead of Corny Thompson and his 1,810 points (1978-82).
At his current scoring pace, it’s unlikely Karaban would surpass Allen on the list with points tallied in the NCAA Tournament.
Next milestone
According to the UConn men’s basketball record book, the winningest four-year player in UConn history is Samson Johnson (2021-25). The Huskies’ record in that span was 115-32.
Karaban and Johnson spent three seasons as teammates. In Johnson’s freshman season, the Huskies finished 23-10. In the three seasons the two played together, UConn tallied a 92-24 record.
UConn’s 21-1 mark this season puts Karaban’s Huskies at 113-22. Three more victories in the nine games remaining on the record season will give Karaban the record as the winningest four-year player in program history.
The top 25 scorers in UConn history
In case you’re wondering, here’s the list of the 25 greatest scorers in UConn history.
1. Chris Smith (1988-92), 2,145 points
2. Richard Hamilton (1996-99), 2,036
3. Tony Hanson (1973-77), 1,990
4. Shabazz Napier (2010-14) 1,959
5. Ray Allen (3 Years, 1993-96), 1,922
6. Corny Thompson (1978-82), 1,810
7. Ben Gordon (2001-04), 1,795
8. Ryan Boatright (2011-15), 1,786
9. Kemba Walker (2008-11), 1,783
10. Christian Vital (2016-20), 1,735
11. Jalen Adams (2015-19), 1,706
12. Wes Bialosuknia (1964-67), 1,673
13. Cliff Robinson (1985-89), 1,664
14. Alex Karaban (2022-), 1,651
15. Khalid El-Amin (1997-2000), 1,650
16. Donyell Marshall (1991-94), 1,648
17. Mike McKay (1978-82), 1,633
18. Jerome Dyson (2006-10), 1,630
19. Jeff Adrien (2005-09), 1,603
20. Earl Kelley (1982-86), 1,592
21. Scott Burrell (1989-93), 1,562
22. Kevin Freeman (1996-00), 1,476
23. Rashad Anderson (2002-06), 1,432
24. Emeka Okafor (2001-04), 1,426
25. Art Quimby (1951-55), 1,398
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