Alex Karaban sat down with NBC Sports California’s Deuce Mason following being drafted 29th overall to Sacramento in this year’s draft.
He revealed that the number-one ingredient in winning that most people overlook is accountability.
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“If we’re hard on each other and we’re holding each other accountable, it’s going to make us closer… I think now people could be afraid to say what’s on their mind, and if someone is messing up, people just don’t want to critique people anymore.”
He continued the interview, talking about how Dan Hurley “completely changed my life” and how he would not be the person he is today without Hurley.
“He’s the best college basketball coach. He’s going to make you a better player,” Karaban said. “I wouldn’t talk to people; I was super quiet. I wasn’t confident, and he really changed me to be more outgoing.”
In terms of changing the winning culture in Sacramento, Karaban said that his time with UConn will help make a difference with the Kings.
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“Coach was the same person on a daily basis, no matter how we felt, win or loss; he was the same. He expected the same standards every single day, not just on the court, but who we are off the court, being on time or carrying yourself the right way.”
Karaban is bringing that same mindset to Sacramento: the intensity, the passion, and the foundation for the organization to have for the future.
The Kings traded up to draft Karaban at 29th overall. When asked about how that feels, he said, “It means everything to me. I was super excited. The energy that Scott [Perry] Head Coach Doug Christie had and how excited they were… For them to have the belief in me gives me all the confidence to come in here and be myself and make an impact.”
Karaban suffered an ankle injury just before heading to Las Vegas and started off the Summer League a bit slow, going against the Clippers on 0-for-6 shooting and a 4-point outing against Brooklyn. He followed those games up with a great performance, putting up a team-high 21 points and eight rebounds in an 82-76 loss to Boston on Wednesday night. Karaban shot a great 5-for-7 from downtown in the loss. Karaban’s three-point numbers towards the end of his final season were lower than usual, so it is great to see the former Husky back on track from three-point land.
In the following game against Charlotte, Karaban contributed 14 points, making a pair of triples in the 92-90 win.
Karaban finished the Summer League averaging 10 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in an average of 27.5 minutes per game. While the early games presented a learning curve, Karaban’s response down the stretch showed the composure of a seasoned performer. By regaining his stroke from beyond the arc and contributing across multiple categories, he proved he can adapt quickly when given the opportunity. As he moves forward, this Summer League stint serves as a promising stepping stone toward carving out a reliable role in Sac Town.