The Next Step: Alex Karaban
Alex Karaban quickly became a favorite of mine when I first watched him last August at the CP3 Rising Stars Camp. A skilled 6’7” forward with a solid frame, Karaban has an advanced game and body for a rising sophomore. He has shown he belongs in the conversation with the country’s other top 2022 prospects in multiple settings, but still hasn’t gotten the national attention like others have. That should change soon. Karaban recently had a strong showing at the Pangos All-American Camp, and made the decision to transfer to the New Hampton School of the NEPSAC, giving him a bigger stage to showcase his talents. Karaban has a good head on his shoulders and knows there’s still a long way to go, but also knows what he’s capable of. Here is a more detailed look at the talented 2022 prospect who will have numerous HM suitors before long.
Having just attended the Pangos All-American Camp, Karaban was challenged but gained a lot from the experience of going against elite prospects in 2020 and 2021. By my count, he was 1 of only 7 2022 prospects who participated. Karaban was positive about his experience, saying “I think Pangos went really well for me as I played up against some of the best players in the country. I was nervous in the beginning but got more comfortable and started to prove myself versus the best as the camp went on.” There’s lots of evidence to back up that up, too. Karaban averaged 8.3 PPG, shot 58.3% from the floor, and hit 4 3’s in his team’s 4 games, going 3-1 on the weekend. When you add in that Evan Mobley, Daishen Nix, and Moses Moody were among those on his team, it makes Karaban’s performance even more impressive.
Karaban’s mixture of production and efficiency did not go unnoticed as he was selected for the Top 60 Cream Of The Crop Game. The only other 2022 prospect to be selected for the Top 30 or Top 60 game was Brandon Huntley-Hatfield. Karaban came into the camp with the right mentality, looking not only to prove things to others, but also looking for what he could take away from the camp and use in the future. “During the camp, I learned a lot. I learned what skills I have to work on to match and exceed the other top players. Also I felt as if I proved myself by scoring and playing at the level of other top players. I also proved myself by making an All-Star team as a freshman.” It seems that Karaban took full advantage of the opportunity in California.
Also worth noting, Karaban will be transferring to the New Hampton School next year. After a great freshman season at Algonquin, he is ready to take another step up. When discussing his decision to transfer, Karaban said “I picked New Hampton as I felt they were the best school for me on and off the court. They play in arguably the best conference in the country and give me the gym 24/7.” This move should be very beneficial for Karaban; I’ve seen first-hand what the NEPSAC can do for a player after Georgia-native and current Northwestern player Ryan Greer did the same thing a few years back. Karaban recognizes the multitude of benefits that such a move can provide him with. “By going there, I hope I will become a better player, gain more exposure, get stronger, and become a better student,” he said. Being in an environment where he will be tested every night, put in front of a lot of different eyes, and develop alongside other high-level players will be extremely helpful.
Something I really appreciate about Karaban is his approach to the game. He goes about his business, isn’t obnoxious, and just gets things done. He basically has a stoic demeanor on the court but still plays with impressive physicality and toughness. A nightly double-double threat who produces in the paint and on the perimeter, Karaban is well-aware of his abilities. “I feel that I am at least Top 20 in my class. Instead of playing E15, I have been playing E16 and averaging around 17 PPG, and I’ve helped my team stay close in big games.” The first time I saw him this spring, Karaban had a well-rounded outing against a good Meanstreets group in Atlanta. In Indianapolis, his Expressions team took down Team Final, one of the top E16 teams that includes the #2 prospect in the country for 2022, Jalen Duren. Karaban had 16 points and 7 rebounds in the win, playing with a chip on his shoulder and making a statement. He has had similar performances at other top events, like making the All-American game at the CP3 Rising Stars camp last year. He was not included in ESPN’s Top 25 for 2022 that was released earlier in the spring, but I think that should change, and it will if he continues to produce on big stages.
Obviously, it is still very early for 2022 prospects, but the lack of recognition for Karaban nationally surprises me considering his qualities and the fact that he’s impressed on various national stages. He has the skill, physical tools, and mentality that is desired by coaches of top programs. I believe it is only a matter of time before his status in 2022 is elevated in the eyes of others too. Expect Karaban to carry some momentum over from Pangos into the summer and look for him to make the most out of his move to New Hampton. It won’t be long before you’re hearing his name a lot.