Braylon Mullins Comes of Age in UConn's Big East Triumph
NEW YORK - In his 26th game for UConn, Braylon Mullins has officially shed the freshman label. Despite missing games due to injuries, the Huskies’ Big East semifinal against Georgetown marked his 34th career appearance. At UConn, this means it's time to step up.
Mullins was confident after putting up 21 points in the Huskies’ 67-51 victory over Georgetown on Friday night. “You’ve got to move on, confidence-wise,” he said.
“At this point in the season, you’re just treating the game how it is. You’re playing with guys.
That’s how I can stay out of the mental state of always doubting myself.”
While Mullins may still look like a wide-eyed teenager from Indiana, UConn needs him to play like a seasoned veteran. That’s the expectation at a school with championship aspirations.
Mullins has moved beyond the freshman-finding-himself phase, ready to embrace the physicality of the Big East. Regardless of how Saturday’s final against St.
John’s pans out, Mullins appears prepared to dive headfirst into March Madness.
Drawing parallels to Stephon Castle, who had a stellar freshman year in 2023-24, Mullins is showing similar potential. Castle went from college standout to national champ to NBA Rookie of the Year.
Mullins, projected as a high to mid-first round NBA Draft pick, is following a similar trajectory. His 21 points were the most by a UConn freshman in the Big East Tournament since Jerome Dyson in 2008, complemented by six rebounds, two assists, and a crucial block against Georgetown.
“There’s so much conversation about the best freshman,” UConn coach Dan Hurley noted. “He fits into a balanced team, he’s a two-way player, he’s on the backboard and his shooting.
Wait until he starts raining in threes. I think he’s got bigger nights ahead.”
UConn’s strategy revolves around perimeter play, anchored by dominant center Tarris Reed Jr. and steady point guard Silas Demary Jr. Mullins had struggled in previous matchups against Georgetown, but on Saturday night, he found his rhythm. After missing his first shot, he connected on a series of midrange jumpers and a three-pointer, helping the Huskies to a 9-2 lead they never relinquished.
“I knew they were in a deep drop,” Mullins explained. “Coach didn’t want a lot of midrange shots, but I was happy to see my first two went in.”
With Solo Ball in foul trouble and Alex Karaban tightly guarded, Mullins took charge, shooting 8 of 17 overall. Although his three-point shooting was off, going 2 for 9, his 6 for 8 on twos made a significant impact.
“The way he comes off defensive changes and gets his shot off quick is something you just can’t teach,” Ball said.
UConn has seen impactful freshmen before, but only three true one-and-dones. Andre Drummond was the first, showing glimpses of his talent in 2011-12. Castle’s stats were modest during the 2023-24 season but surged in the tournament, scoring 36 points in two Final Four games while playing elite defense.
“Braylon can do the same thing, but in a different way,” Ball added. “He’s ultra-talented and can do so many things on the floor.”
Mullins has faced it all-national games, hostile environments, and the intensity of the Big East Tournament. On Saturday, he prepared for a showdown against St. John’s at Madison Square Garden, anticipating an electric atmosphere.
“I know the first couple of times, you feel the nerves, playing in the best arena in the world,” Mullins said. “But I know it’s going to be electric, and it’s going to help us. You can’t really focus on that.”
While this game at Madison Square Garden might not drastically alter NCAA standings, it could significantly impact the intangibles. If Mullins can mature over the next few weeks, it could transform UConn’s team dynamics.
“It would change our team completely,” Karaban said. “It opens everything up, whether it’s Tarris or Eric down low, or myself and Solo as three-point shooters, or Silas to get downhill.
And he’s been terrific. The type of game he had as a freshman to lead us to a championship game is special.”