Where the UConn roster stands with big weekend ahead

The UConn men’s basketball program should get more clarity on its roster after this weekend.

Saturday is the early entry deadline for the NBA Draft, and Alex Karaban hasn’t decided whether he’ll declare or return to Storrs.

When faced with the same predicament last spring, Karaban chose to declare but then withdrew after the Draft Combine. He could take the same approach this year, with the final deadline to withdraw and return to college being May 28, but Karaban said last week that he’d prefer to just rip the band-aid off and make the decision once.

As UConn awaits decision, Alex Karaban gives update on his coming or going during kids camp

The Huskies’ captain hasn’t seen much change in his projection this time around. He is projected to go as high as No. 34 overall to the Charlotte Hornets in ESPN’s latest mock draft and No. 37 to the Detroit Pistons in Sports Illustrated’s mock. NBADraft.net has him going No. 44 to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Bleacher Report has him No. 45 to the Chicago Bulls.

Outside of Karaban, Liam McNeeley projects to be Dan Hurley’s fifth first-round pick in the last five years. ESPN and CBS Sports each have the one-and-done freshman going late in the lottery, No. 12 and No. 13, respectively, but most mock drafts have dropped him just outside the top 14 picks. Bleacher Report projects McNeeley to go No. 18 to the Miami Heat, Yahoo Sports has him at No. 16 to Detroit, Sports Illustrated says No. 15 to the Thunder and NBADraft.net has the lowest projection at No. 22 to the Atlanta Hawks.

The other potential question mark on the Huskies’ roster is Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr., who has been working out for NBA teams to gauge his draft interest and receive feedback. The feeling is that Demary will end up spending his junior season in Storrs unless he gets the idea that he would be selected in the first round. He isn’t on any mock drafts.

As for the Huskies’ other departures, Isaiah Abraham will be staying in the Big East after committing to Georgetown, Ahmad Nowell committed to VCU and Youssouf Singare is headed to High Point. Aidan Mahaney has yet to decide, but recently visited Florida Atlantic.

A look at the Huskies’ roster should Karaban decide to go:

Silas Demary Jr.6-5, 195 pounds, Jr.Last year: 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists at GeorgiaProjected role: Starting point guard

It seems more than likely that Demary will play his junior season in Storrs, and if he does, the experienced guard fits perfectly in the Huskies’ system with on-court comparisons to Tristen Newton and even Stephon Castle, the current NBA Rookie of the Year favorite.

Solo Ball6-3, 190 pounds, Jr.Last year: 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.6 assistsProjected role: Starting shooting guard

Ball played his way onto the NBA radar during his sophomore season in Storrs but decided to return to shore up some of his weaknesses, particularly on the defensive end. One of the best shooters in the country, Ball will remain a critical part of the Huskies’ offense.

Braylon Mullins6-5, 180 pounds, Fr.Last year: McDonald’s All American at Greenfield Central HS (Indiana)Projected role: Starting small forward

Depending on how the upcoming decisions go, Mullins may or may not see himself in the starting lineup right away. But the Indiana Player of the Year is poised to make an immediate impact either way with his scoring and playmaking ability, giving the Huskies another 3-point threat.

Jaylin Stewart6-7, 215 pounds, Jr.Last year: 5.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 0.9 assistsProjected role: Starting power forward

The time has come for Stewart to take on a more significant role in the Huskies’ rotation after showing glimpses of his ability over his first two seasons at UConn. Stewart has shown throughout his entire career that he can score the ball but the consistency on both ends will be key.

Tarris Reed Jr.6-10, 260 pounds, Sr.Last year: 9.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.0 assistsProjected role: Starting center

After a bit of an adjustment period to the way things are done at UConn following his first two years at Michigan, Reed burst onto the scene as one of the Huskies’ best players. Going into Year Two, Reed figures to be one of the most impactful big men on the glass and in the low post in the Big East.

Malachi Smith6-0, 175 pounds, Sr.Last year: 10.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists at DaytonProjected role: Backup point guard/sixth man

A “3-and-D” role player, Smith fits just what the Huskies were looking for as they searched for experienced defensive playmakers in the portal. Likely to be a backup to Demary, Smith should have a similar or even greater impact to what Hassan Diarra was able to do in 2023-24.

Jayden Ross6-7, 205 pounds, Jr.Last year: 2.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, 0.8 assistsProjected role: Backup forward

The Huskies were excited with how Ross came into the 2024-25 season but he never really had the opportunity or the grace to continue that “rocket ship” momentum. Hurley said he was disappointed in himself for getting away from Ross toward the end of the season, and will likely count on him as a valuable part of the rotation as another 3-and-D wing.

Eric Reibe7-0, 235 pounds, Fr.Last year: McDonald’s All American at The Bullis School (Maryland)Projected role: Backup center

UConn will likely look to add another big in the transfer portal whether Karaban stays or goes, but Reibe is an exciting player for the Huskies’ coaching staff as his offensive versatility, particularly beyond the 3-point line, opens up a number of possibilities.

Jacob Furphy6-6, 220 pounds, Fr.Last year: NBA Global AcademyProjected role: Backup guard/forward

Perhaps a bit underrated because of his international status, Furphy can be a guard or a wing for the Huskies and brings an energy that should excite the fan base. He is known for his shooting ability but also his IQ, which figures to help him thrive in the Huskies’ offense.

Originally Published: April 24, 2025 at 6:00 AM EDT