Houston – Alex Karaban loves having Donovan Clingan as a UConn basketball teammate and roommate.

“He’s super kind,” Karaban said. “He’s just a great kid to be around. He’s a hard worker as well. He’s always in the gym.”

But he could do without Clingan’s habit of being an early riser.

“He can wake me up sometimes,” Karaban said. “He vacuumed at 7 a.m. one time. He did the laundry at 7 a.m. … We need to have a talk about it.”

Karaban and Clingan have cleaned up in their first seasons for the Huskies, playing important roles in helping UConn reach Monday’s national championship game against San Diego State at NRG Stadium.

A redshirt freshman from Southborough, Mass., Karaban continues to be a consistent contributor as a starting forward, averaging 9.4 points and 4.5 rebounds and serving as one of the team’s top 3-point shooting threats. He benefited from sitting out as a redshirt.

A 7-foot-2 freshman center out of Bristol Central High School, Clingan is a valued reserve, providing an intimidating defensive presence and giving starter Adama Sanogo a break without any noticeable drop-off in the team’s play. He’s averaging seven points, 5.7 rebounds and a team-best 1.8 blocks.

Coach Dan Hurley knew during the recruiting process that both players were great fits for his program and could make an impact.

“It was love at first sight with both guys,” Hurley said. “I watched Donovan when he was like a sophomore in a skill work (session) and you just knew he was a special player with the feel, the hands, just natural. We knew he’d have a big impact. And he would keep Adama fresh by being able to not play him as many minutes.

“And then Karaban, we knew he would come in and help right away. We knew he would have a chance to start as a freshman. … When he came and sat out the second half of the year, he was able to learn the system and get adjusted and we knew he could make a big difference for us – the floor space, IQ and all around game.”

Karaban and Clingan also share a similar work ethic and commitment to the program.

They’re always spending extra time in the gym and only care about the team’s success.

“He’s a great roommate,” Clingan said. “He’s such a locked in kid. The night before a game, he’s watching film of the other team, in particular of his match-up. He’s such a learner of the game. He’s always trying to get better and always trying to find ways to help his team win.

“I feel like we’re a good duo when it comes to roommates because we just love the game so much. We’re both young. We’re both quiet and calm kids. We just love each other.”

They’ve also both handled playing in the pressure-packed NCAA tournament atmosphere.

Karaban scored eight points and grabbed a career-high nine rebounds in Saturday’s national semifinal win over Miami while Clingan chipped in four points, six rebounds and a block in 13 minutes off the bench.

Now they’re about to play for a national championship.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling, “Karaban said. “To be one of the last two teams standing is something that I never thought could happen. When I was a little kid, that was my little kid’s dream. Now, to actually play in it, you’ve got to give everything you’ve got. It’s the last 40 minutes guaranteed in the season for the ultimate prize.”

Once the season ends Monday night, Hurley knows what Clingan will do to unwind. He has a suggestion for a hobby for Karaban.

“Donovan is going to go fishing as soon as this thing is over, he’s going to be out on the boat,” Hurley said. “I’m sure he’s got some NIL deals with some of these fishing companies. … I don't know what Alex is going to do when the season is over. He just loves basketball so much. That’s probably my biggest concern for him. Maybe he should start painting like me. He can’t be worse than me.”

g.keefe@theday.com