UConn head coach Dan Hurley celebrates with forward Alex Karaban...

UConn head coach Dan Hurley celebrates with forward Alex Karaban (11) after their win against Purdue in the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. Credit: AP/David J. Phillip

STORRS, Conn. — UConn forward Alex Karaban announced Thursday that he has declared for the NBA draft while retaining his college eligibility.

Karaban made the announcement on social media, saying his experience at UConn “has exceeded my expectations.”

The 6-foot-8 sophomore averaged 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds this season, helping UConn to its second straight NCAA title.

He joins 7-2 center Donovan Clingan in declaring for the draft.

Karaban has been projected as a possible late first-round or second-round pick.

Clingan and freshman guard Stephon Castle are projected as NBA lottery picks. Castle has yet to announce his future plans.

The Huskies' two other starters this season, guards Cam Spencer and Tristen Newton, also could be drafted. Neither has any college eligibility remaining.

UConn head coach Dan Hurley celebrates with forward Alex Karaban...

UConn head coach Dan Hurley celebrates with forward Alex Karaban (11) after their win against Purdue in the NCAA college Final Four championship basketball game, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. Credit: AP/David J. Phillip

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