The UConn Huskies have long been a powerhouse in college basketball, consistently churning out top-tier talent in both their men's and women's programs. With a blend of exceptional coaching and promising young athletes, the Huskies are always a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Tournament.
A standout on Dan Hurley’s men’s team this season is freshman guard Braylon Mullins. This young star has made waves in the 2025-26 season, playing a crucial role in a deep and talented Huskies lineup, as they aim for a strong showing in March Madness.
Basketball aficionados might find the name "Mullins" rings a bell, reminiscent of Chris Mullin, the five-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer. But is there a connection? Let’s break it down.
Meet Braylon Mullins
Braylon Mullins, standing tall at 6-6 and weighing in at 196 pounds, is making a name for himself as a freshman guard at UConn. At just 19, Mullins was a consensus top-25 recruit in the 2025 class, courted by prestigious programs like Indiana and UNC before committing to the Huskies.
His freshman year has been nothing short of impressive. Averaging 12.1 points, fourth on the team, along with 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game, Mullins has been pivotal in UConn’s journey to the NCAA Tournament. His standout performance included a 17-point game against UCLA in the second round.
Recognized for his contributions, Mullins earned a spot on the Big East All-Freshman Team for 2025-26. With such a promising start, he’s already being eyed as a potential lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, should he choose to make the leap after one year.
Family Ties?
Despite the shared last name and basketball prowess, Braylon Mullins isn’t related to NBA legend Chris Mullin. The distinction lies in the spelling-Braylon has an "S" at the end of his surname, unlike Chris.
However, basketball does run in Braylon’s family. His father, Josh Mullins, played college basketball at Lincoln Trail College and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).
Hometown Roots
Braylon hails from Greenfield, Indiana, where he shone at Greenfield-Central High School. Leading his team to a stellar 23-4 record, he averaged an impressive 32.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 3.7 steals per game as a senior.
His high school exploits earned him the honor of being named a 2025 McDonald's All American and Indiana's Mr. Basketball.
Chris Mullin’s Legacy
On the other hand, Chris Mullin’s roots trace back to Brooklyn, New York. He began his high school journey at Power Memorial Academy before transferring to Xaverian High School, where he led the team to a state championship in 1981.
His stellar college career at St. John's paved the way for his selection as the No. 7 overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 1985 NBA Draft.
In the world of basketball, names like Mullins and Mullin carry weight. While Braylon charts his own path, the echoes of greatness are undeniable.