Dan Hurley Compares UConn to Warriors After Win vs. UCLA, Hints at Alex Karaban Being His Steph Curry

Comparing a team to the prime Golden State Warriors, even if you are doing a self-appraisal, needs some courage. The Dubs, during their championship runs, were that high up on the game’s pedestal. However, Dan Hurley felt his team, the UConn Huskies, exude the Warriors vibe during their win against UCLA on Sunday.

The Huskies defeated the Bruins 73-57 to book a spot in the March Madness Sweet 16. And when Hurley compared his team to the Warriors in the post-game interview, we would have been inclined to assume that they scorched the opposition from the perimeter. But that wasn’t the case.

UConn shot just 33% from the field in their victory. What Hurley was talking about was the “feeling” in the win. And his star player, Alex Karaban? Well, in line with the Warriors comparison, he would be UConn’s very own Stephen Curry. 

“We shot 33% from three, and it felt like we were the Warriors, man It was incredible,” coach Hurley said ecstatically after the win. When the interviewer asked pointing to Karaban whether the coach felt he was Stephen Curry in white wearing number 11, Hurley replied, “Sure do.” 

Hurley then showered Karaban with platitudes aplenty. “It’s about this guy here, his greatness,” he said. “In the last four years, there hasn’t been a better player in college basketball, surely hasn’t been a bigger winner.” 

Of course, Karaban is no Curry. That’s for certain. He’s a forward at 6’8″, after all.

But in terms of shooting, the 2-time NCAA champ certainly has range and can be lethal. Against UCLA, he put up 27 points, including four three-pointers. So Hurley can’t be blamed for comparing him with Curry just for the night.

But to reach Curry’s level, Karaban has miles to go. It’s good he returned to college after withdrawing from the 2024 Draft, because he felt he had a lot to improve. In terms of movement and explosives, he still lacks that little edge. He has yet to declare for the upcoming draft either.

For now, though, Karaban will be looking to focus on the Sweet 16 and getting UConn to another championship win.