Mullins Returns to UConn, Aiming for Top-10 Draft Pick

0:00Yukon fans, brace yourselves. Braylon Mullins, the freshman sharpshooter who lit up the court, just announced he's coming back for year two instead of jumping to the NBA draft. This 20-year-old dropped the news on his birthday via Instagram with unfinished business after a season packed with highlights like his. First ever win over Kansas, a clutch over time take-over at Providence, 25 points against Creighton in that legendary 35-foot. Buzzer beater, to beat Duke and punch the Huskies ticket to the final four. Earlier this week, his dad Josh shared how it all went down during a casual dinner chat at the final four hotel where Braylon floated the idea of, returning to build more maturity and confidence under coach Dan Hurley. Sure, he could have gone late lottery to mid-20s in the draft, but with big NIL money and rising fame in college, staying made sense to level up. In his game, fans are buzzing because Mullins wasn't fully healthy all year. He tweaked his ankle and knee in a late October practice, missing the first six games, and

1:04playing at about 80-85%. That iconic shot against Duke, pure grit, despite the pain. His family saw it as a smart move to heal properly and grow into a leader. Now he's fresh off a minor knee procedure for an infection, and should be clear for workouts next week, then heading to LA or Miami for agency. Things before summer sessions back at Yukon and June. The goal? Top 10 pick status by next draft, focusing on playmaking, dribbling, and strength. With point guard Salis de Mary Jr. and Wing Jade and Ross also returning, plus new ads like Nick Kamania and the Jai Hines, Yukon's building one of the nation's top back courts for 2026-27. Chemistry's locked in from last summer, and after proving doubters wrong this year, they're primed to chase that title again. This has been Hartford News Today, powered by AI.