UConn fans will have plenty to keep an eye on when NBA Summer League opens in Las Vegas, with four former Huskies set to take part as they keep pushing toward NBA roster spots.
The biggest name on the list is first-round pick Tarris Reed Jr., who will play for the San Antonio Spurs after already appearing in two games in the California Classic. Fellow first-rounder Alex Karaban is also in the mix for the Sacramento Kings, though his status is uncertain after he suffered a right ankle sprain in practice on July 2. Karaban was scheduled to be re-evaluated on Thursday.
There are two more familiar names for UConn followers, too. Tristen Newton, the 2024 Final Four Most Outstanding Player, is coming off a strong season in the NBA G League and is trying to earn a spot with the Houston Rockets. Liam McNeeley, a first-round pick last year whose rookie season was slowed by injury, will suit up for the Charlotte Hornets.
For anyone looking to track them in Vegas, here’s the slate:
Alex Karaban and the Sacramento Kings open Thursday, July 9 against the L.A. Clippers at 11 p.m. on ESPN.
They’ll play Washington on Sunday, July 12 at 8 p.m. on Prime Video, Brooklyn on Tuesday, July 14 at 6 p.m. on Prime Video, and Boston on Wednesday, July 15 at 8 p.m. on ESPN2. Playoffs are TBD.
Reed and the Spurs start Thursday, July 9 against Atlanta at 4:30 p.m. on ESPN 2. San Antonio then faces the N.Y.
Knicks on Saturday, July 11 at 6 p.m. on ESPN, Milwaukee on Sunday, July 12 at 9 p.m. on ESPN, and Utah on Wednesday, July 15 at 9:30 p.m. on Prime Video. Playoffs are TBD.
McNeeley and the Hornets begin Thursday, July 9 against Orlando at 7:30 p.m. on Prime Video. Charlotte’s next games are Saturday, July 11 against New Orleans at 4 p.m. on ESPN, Sunday, July 12 against Boston at 5 p.m. on ESPN2, and Wednesday, July 15 against Milwaukee at 7:30 p.m. on Prime Video. Playoffs are TBD.
Newton and the Rockets open Friday, July 10 against Denver at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2. Houston then plays Toronto on Saturday, July 11 at 9:30 p.m. on Prime Video, Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 14 at 4 p.m. on Prime Video, and Brooklyn on Thursday, July 16 at 4:30 p.m. on ESPNU. Playoffs are TBD.
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Why UConns Guards Are Suddenly Driving Title Buzz Again
With Alex Karaban and Tarris Reed Jr. off to the NBA Draft, UConn is heading into the new season with a different look, and the conversation around the Huskies is shifting toward the backcourt. Silas Demary Jr. and Braylon Mullins are the names drawing the most attention, with their combination of skill and upside giving this roster a chance to stay in the national title mix even as the frontcourt turns over.
Braylon Mullins is also positioned to take on a larger role, which only adds to the intrigue around how high this group can climb. And while the immediate focus is on the guards, UConn is still working the future too, having advanced in the chase for five-star 2027 wing Demarcus Henry, who has trimmed his list to eight schools, including the Huskies. [Read more 🡒]