How UConn men’s basketball plans to replace all-time winningest player Alex Karaban

Of the incoming freshmen, Landrew is a big-bodied 6-foot-6 wing who was ranked around the top-30 in the 2026 high school class. His natural position would be at the three, potentially replacing Mullins if he goes to the NBA Draft, though it is difficult for a freshman to step in as a day one starter. County, a 6-4 two-guard ranked in the top 50, could also find himself in the rotation.

Jayden Ross, 6-7, took on and thrived in the sixth-man role down the stretch of the season and throughout the NCAA Tournament, providing a spark with his energy, particularly on the defensive end and in transition. He picked up a mentor in Andre Jackson Jr. after the Huskies’ regular-season finale in Milwaukee, where Jackson plays for the Bucks. He could provide a similar impact – with some more 3-point shooting ability – in his senior season, whether that means starting or a large role off the bench.

Stewart, also 6-7, has filled into the starting lineup 12 times over the last two seasons with players injured. Will his game take a leap and allow him to earn more opportunity with the Huskies on a consistent basis? Or will he look to move on for a potential full-time starting role somewhere else?

UConn will likely be looking to the portal for Karaban’s replacement. And the task won’t be as simple as finding another 6-8 shooter who can move without the ball and have a strong feel for what Hurley wants to run on offense.

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“It doesn’t (need to be a 3-point shooter). Who returns kind of determines the skill set (we’re looking for). So a lot of what you’re doing now is you’re preparing scenarios, if this player returns or that player returns, or these two players return. … You’re working scenarios,” Hurley said.

UConn, with more holes to fill in its front court given the departures of Tarris Reed Jr. (eligibility) and Eric Reibe (transfer), reportedly hosted Seton Hall center Najai Hines on Tuesday. Duke forward Nikolas Khamenia, a former top-20 prospect and a potential Karaban replacement, was on campus Wednesday. Khamenia had a smaller role than expected in his freshman year with the Blue Devils, averaging 5.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game off the bench. He made a 3-pointer and had seven points, an assist, a block, and two rebounds against the Huskies in the Elite Eight.

UConn could also potentially have Syracuse forward Donnie Freeman in for a visit on Friday, according to reports. Freeman, a 6-foot-9 rising junior, is one of the more sought after players in the portal after he averaged 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds for the Orange last season, though he only shot 30.2% on 3.7 3-point attempts per game.

The tricky part for the Huskies is figuring out who is coming back, and what needs will be left to address. At this point, they have to sell recruits on the idea of a role on a roster that remains far from put together.

“I just keep saying to myself, ‘This is what everyone’s dealing with,'” Hurley said. “And then just being so behind everyone else, and the fact that we’re not rushing our players to decide what they’re doing, I think it’s the right thing, it obviously puts us up against this deadline over the weekend into Monday, but our guys deserve it. Even if it puts us in a little bit of a delicate situation, I think you want to give a group that did such a great job for you the grace of not rushing a big decision.”