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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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With UConn among the teams mentioned heavily in debates about this season's March Madness contenders, Alex Karaban is looking to help the Huskies achieve another championship.
The journey to that goal has been shaky for Karaban and UConn (27-4), who recently suffered a disappointing away loss to Marquette, a Big East team with a losing record. The chaotic end of that game also saw Huskies head coach Dan Hurley ejected after erupting at a nearby official.
However, the season has featured plenty of noteworthy wins and bright spots. One of UConn's big strengths has been a talented lineup featuring players who can impact a game.
Read More on NCAA
On Sunday, the Big East announced some significant news regarding Karaban and two of his teammates as they head into the upcoming Big East Tournament.
Read more: Dan Hurley Responds to Referee Bumping Claim After Ejection in UConn Loss
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The reveal of this year's All-Big East First-Team has arrived, and it includes three UConn stars earning those honors. In addition to Karaban, Huskies center Taris Reed Jr. and guard Silas DeMary Jr. also received spots on the first team.
It's a historic feat in that no team has ever achieved three players on the All-Big East First-Team, but UConn continues to set the bar high when it comes to college basketball.
Much of that is a credit to Hurley and his staff's ability to recruit and work the transfer portal. Reed arrived from Michigan last season, while Demary was a transfer portal acquisition from Georgia.
Meanwhile, Karaban chose to join UConn four years ago and has since won two championships. He returned for this season despite speculation that he could try getting into the NBA.
Considered a veteran presence and leader, he also averages 12.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists, and is often known for making clutch shots when necessary.
Reed is averaging 13.8 points, eight rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.1 blocks, and one steal per game this season as UConn’s dominant big man. Demary has provided a significant backcourt boost, averaging a team-leading 6.5 assists per game to go with 11.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game.
Along with the Huskies stars, St. John's star Zuby Ejiofor, Butler's Michael Ajayi, and Xavier's Tre Carroll also made the All-Big East First-Team.
UConn's trio of stars, along with starters Braylon Mullins Jr. and Solo Ball, have powered the team to a 17-3 conference record, second behind St. John's (18-2).
Next up, the Big East Tournament begins play at New York City's Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, with St. John's and UConn the top two seeds.
Read more: SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament 2026 Bracket: Seedings and Full Schedule
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