Braylon Mullins' Iconic Moment in UConn History
When Braylon Mullins launched a 35-footer with the season hanging in the balance, he wasn’t calculating its place in UConn lore. In a candid moment with ESPN, Mullins admitted, “I thought it was for the tie.”
Yet, as that ball swished through the net, it became a defining snapshot in Huskies history, propelling them to their third Final Four in four years, just minutes from Mullins' hometown. This shot joins the ranks of UConn’s most legendary moments.
1998: Richard Hamilton's Buzzer-Beater
Flashback to 1998's Sweet 16. UConn, one of its strongest teams, was on the hunt for its first Final Four.
Facing underdog Washington, they found themselves trailing by one. Jake Voskhul’s shot rattled out, but Richard Hamilton was there to seize the moment.
After a couple of attempts, Hamilton’s buzzer-beater sealed a thrilling victory. The image of Hamilton on the floor, arms raised, with Jim Calhoun celebrating on the sidelines, is etched in UConn history.
Though they fell to North Carolina in the Elite Eight, Hamilton’s shot remains unforgettable.
2011: Kemba Walker's Step-Back Magic
In 2011, UConn was on the bubble entering the Big East tournament. After two solid wins, they faced top-seeded Pittsburgh.
With the game tied and seconds left, Kemba Walker found himself against Pitt’s Gary McGhee. Walker’s crossover and step-back sent McGhee tumbling, giving Walker the space to nail an 18-footer at the buzzer.
ESPN’s Dave Pasch captured the moment: “The step back… Walker… CARDIAC KEMBA does it again!” This shot was a catalyst for UConn’s incredible tournament run.
1990: Tate George's Legendary Shot
Dubbed “The Dream Season,” 1989-90 saw UConn as a No. 1 seed for the first time. After cruising through the initial rounds, they faced Clemson in the Sweet 16.
Trailing by one with a second left, Scott Burrell’s full-court pass found Tate George, who caught and released in one fluid motion, clinching a 71-70 victory. The next day’s headline read: “It’s Late, It’s Tate, It’s Great.”
Although they lost to Duke in the next round, this moment was pivotal in UConn’s rise.
2016: Jalen Adams’ Full-Court Miracle
While it didn’t carry the same stakes as others, Jalen Adams’ full-court buzzer-beater in the 2016 conference tournament was nothing short of spectacular. With just 0.8 seconds left in triple overtime against Cincinnati, Adams launched a shot from just beyond the opposite three-point line, banking it in to tie the game.
ESPN’s Mike Patrick and Len Elmore captured the astonishment: “This one’s good if it goes… Oh, it did!” Though UConn didn’t advance far, Adams’ shot remains a jaw-dropping highlight.