UConn’s Bench: A Season of Highs and Lows
UConn's bench has been a rollercoaster ride this season, offering both sparks of brilliance and moments of inconsistency. Players like Malachi Smith and Eric Reibe have stepped up in some of the team’s most crucial games, while Jayden Ross and Jaylin Stewart have also made significant contributions. Yet, the bench's reliability has been a question mark throughout Big East play.
Smith has been a catalyst in several key victories, such as his 14-point, nine-assist performance against Illinois at Madison Square Garden. He followed this up with nine assists in consecutive wins over Florida and Texas. However, there have been games where his errors led to an early seat on the bench.
Reibe, thrown into the mix from the start, has faced some of the toughest frontcourts in the nation. His standout games include eight points and seven rebounds against Illinois and a 12-point, eight-rebound showing at Kansas. Despite flashes of defensive prowess, there are times when his inexperience shows.
The junior duo of Ross and Stewart has influenced games in ways not always captured by stats. Ross’s standout performance came against Butler, where he notched 13 points and eight rebounds. Recently, he added six points, seven rebounds, two steals, and a block in a loss to Marquette.
Stewart, sidelined with a knee injury for the Big East Tournament, has had memorable moments at Madison Square Garden. Averaging 4.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 17.7 minutes per game, he’s hit clutch shots throughout his career, including a pivotal three-pointer in an overtime win at Providence.
His absence creates a gap, especially as a frontcourt reserve for Alex Karaban, who had to log heavy minutes when Stewart was unavailable. Karaban, averaging 33.9 minutes per game, has been a workhorse this season.
“It’s always gonna be next man up,” Karaban emphasized. “Everyone’s gotta elevate their play; starters and bench alike. Stewie brings a lot to the table, and when he’s out, we’ve got to fill that void.”
Coach Dan Hurley is considering a two-big lineup to compensate for Stewart’s absence, a strategy that could extend into the NCAA Tournament. However, this plan hinges on Tarris Reed Jr. staying out of foul trouble, as he’s vital to the team’s success.
“With certain matchups, it makes more sense, and we’ve had this week to practice,” Hurley noted before heading to MSG.
For UConn to chase a championship in March, tapping into the energy and depth of their bench will be crucial, echoing the success of their 2023 and 2024 title runs.
“We need to elevate, not sink the level of play,” Reibe said after a solid game at Villanova. “We’re deep, and we need to approach every game with that mentality.”
Karaban’s Season of Recognition
Alex Karaban is basking in well-deserved accolades. Named First Team All-Big East for the first time in his career, he’s also a finalist for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award. As UConn’s winningest player, he’s already etched his name in the Huskies of Honor.
Karaban’s stats speak volumes: 12.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.8 ‘stocks’ per game, shooting 47.9% from the field, 40.0% from three, and 84.6% from the line. One of two Huskies to start all 31 games, he’s delivered five 20-point performances, underscoring his pivotal role in UConn’s success.