Local college hoops stars on the move: UConn's Karaban eyes NBA Draft; Duke's Power enters transfer portal

T.J. Power and Alex Karaban, longtime friends on and off the basketball court, are on the move.

Both Division 1 scholarship athletes took to social media Thursday evening to announce they were ready for a new chapter in their playing careers.

Karaban, who has roots in Northborough and Southborough, just helped the University of Connecticut win its second consecutive national championship on April 8. Now the versatile 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward is entering his name in the 2024 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility.

More: 'We’ve had an incredible run': UConn assistant Tom Moore of Millbury marvels at back-to-back champs' consistent dominance

Power, who resides in Shrewsbury, confirmed what had been rumored since Duke University was eliminated from the NCAA Tournament on March 31. The freshman forward is leaving the Blue Devils after one season and entering the transfer portal.

Power posted this heartfelt goodbye on Twitter:

"This past year in Durham has been one of the best years of my life and I’m forever grateful for all the great relationships that I’ve built here in my short time,” Power posted on Twitter.

"I want to thank Coach Scheyer, Coach Dildy and the whole staff, along with my teammates and performance staff for believing in me and pushing me everyday. I truly have nothing but love for you all.

"To all of the crazies and supporters, your energy and love has made this experience one that I will never forget.Duke will always have a place in my heart but it’s time to do what is best for me and with that being said I will be entering my name into the transfer portal.

The 6-foot-9, 216-pound Power committed to Duke, which he termed his “dream” school during a ceremony at Worcester Academy on Sept. 7, 2022.

More: Worcester Academy's T.J. Power reflects on title-filled senior season on road to Duke University

The Blue Devils were the last of more than two dozen Division 1 schools to offer the four-star recruit who began his high school career at St. John’s.

Power selected Duke over Boston College, Iowa, North Carolina and Virginia.

While his stats this past season didn’t pop — 2.1 points, 0.7 rebounds, 0.2 assists in 26 games — make no mistake that Power is now one of the top transfer portal targets for powerhouse programs from coast to coast due to his all-around skills topped by his ability to score inside and outside the arc.

As for Karaban, who started his high school career at St. Peter-Marian and Algonquin Regional before going to the prestigious IMG Academy, he’ll go through the pre-draft process to see where he grades in the eyes of NBA personnel before making a decision on whether to commit to remaining in the draft or returning to UConn for what would be his redshirt junior season.

Karaban averaged 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds this season and has started 38 of UConn's 39 games in his career. He will have until June 16 at 5 p.m. to decide to remain in the draft or return to college.

At least one recent mock draft had Karaban going early in the second — and final — round.

—Contact Rich Garven at rgarven@telegram.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @RichGarvenTG.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Local college hoops stars Alex Karaban and T.J. Power announce future plans