Alex Karaban Ties UConn Wins Record at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Eyes More History Ahead
INDIANAPOLIS - For Alex Karaban, Hinkle Fieldhouse has been more than just another stop on the Big East circuit. It’s been a stage.
A place where the UConn forward has delivered some of his most memorable performances in a Husky uniform. But on Wednesday night, even with a quiet stat line, Karaban walked out of the historic building having made some serious history.
UConn’s 80-70 win over Butler wasn’t Karaban’s flashiest outing - not by a long shot. The senior forward battled early foul trouble, logging just eight minutes in the first half and finishing with six points and five boards. But when the final buzzer sounded, Karaban had notched his 115th career victory, tying the program record for most wins by a UConn men’s basketball player.
“It’s an honor to do it at this program,” Karaban said postgame. “I hope to add on to it in the future.”
That future could come fast. UConn hosts Georgetown next, and a win there would push Karaban into the top spot all by himself. But for now, he shares the record with a familiar face - his former teammate and two-time national champion, Samson Johnson.
And wouldn’t you know it, Johnson was in the building to witness the moment.
No, this wasn’t some ceremonial appearance like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sitting courtside for LeBron’s scoring record. Johnson was there because he lives just down the road. He’s in his rookie season with the Noblesville Boom, the G-League affiliate of the Indiana Pacers, and Hinkle Fieldhouse is practically in his backyard.
“I’m proud of him, that’s a great accomplishment,” Johnson said after the game. “Obviously, I don’t want to jinx anything, but he’s going to break it.
And I’ll be even happier for him. To be holding that record at a program like this is incredible.”
Johnson has been finding his footing in the pros, averaging 9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. He’s bulked up since his UConn days, and while he’s still adjusting to life as a professional, he’s holding his own - something he’s always done, whether it was backing up Donovan Clingan during a title run or stepping into the starting center role last season.
After Wednesday’s win, Johnson made his way into the locker room to speak with the team - a moment that clearly meant something to Karaban and the rest of the squad.
“He’s proud of us, proud of how the season’s been going,” Karaban said. “He said he’s been watching every game this year. He’s been super-happy with everything, and he’s going to continue to cheer us on.”
Karaban and Johnson go way back - three seasons as teammates, two national titles, countless practices and battles in the paint. So yeah, there was some friendly trash talk after Karaban matched the record.
“I did talk trash a little to him about it,” Karaban said with a smile. “While also knocking wood to make sure I don’t jinx anything.
I love Samson. That’s my guy.”
Their bond runs deeper than stats or records. When UConn’s season ended in heartbreak last March - a Round-of-32 exit to Florida - it was Karaban, tears in his eyes, looking at Johnson and fellow senior Hassan Diarra, wondering aloud what life without them would look like.
Fast forward to now, and Karaban is the one leading the way. And he’s not done yet.
If all goes according to plan, he’ll break the program record for games started (currently tied with Jake Voskuhl at 135) on Feb. 18 against Creighton. He’s also climbing UConn’s all-time scoring list. Sitting at No. 12 with 1,683 points, he’s within striking distance of Jalen Adams (1,706), and if the Huskies make a deep postseason run, Karaban could even challenge legends like Ray Allen (1,922) and Shabazz Napier (1,959) for a spot in the top five.
But let’s be real - there’s one goal that towers above the rest.
A third national championship.
No UConn player has ever done it. No college player has pulled it off in over 50 years.
Karaban’s already in rare air with two rings, but a third would be legacy-defining. And fittingly, this year’s Final Four?
It’s in Indianapolis. Lucas Oil Stadium, just a few miles from the place where he tied the wins record.
If UConn makes it that far, you can count on Samson Johnson being in the building again. And if the Huskies cut down the nets, Karaban won’t just be in the record books - he’ll be a part of college basketball history.