UConn Star Braylon Mullins Forgoes NBA Draft

Projected first-round pick will return to school for sophomore season.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:56am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a college basketball player in motion, with their body and movements broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, red, and yellow.A cubist interpretation of a rising college basketball star, his dynamic movements deconstructed into a vibrant geometric composition.Storrs Today

Braylon Mullins, a standout sophomore forward for the University of Connecticut men's basketball team, has decided to forgo the 2026 NBA Draft and return to UConn for his junior season. Mullins, who is ranked 17th on ESPN's latest big board, will look to improve his draft stock with another year of college play.

Why it matters

Mullins' decision is a major boost for the UConn program, which is looking to build on its recent success and make a deep NCAA Tournament run next season. His return gives the Huskies one of the top young talents in college basketball and increases their chances of contending for a national championship.

The details

Mullins, a 6'9" forward from Bridgeport, Connecticut, emerged as a star for UConn as a freshman, averaging 14.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism has NBA scouts intrigued, leading to his high draft projection. However, Mullins has decided that another year of college competition will better prepare him for the professional ranks.

  • Mullins announced his decision to return to UConn on April 18, 2026.

The players

Braylon Mullins

A 6'9" sophomore forward for the University of Connecticut men's basketball team, who is ranked 17th on ESPN's latest NBA draft big board.

University of Connecticut

A Division I college basketball program located in Storrs, Connecticut, known for its successful men's and women's teams.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like I have more to prove and more to accomplish at the college level. The NBA will still be there, but I want to help UConn win a championship first.”

— Braylon Mullins

What’s next

Mullins will now focus on preparing for the 2026-27 college basketball season, where he will look to lead UConn to a deep NCAA Tournament run and potentially improve his draft stock even further.

The takeaway

Braylon Mullins' decision to return to UConn for his junior season is a significant win for the Huskies program, as they retain one of the top young talents in the country. His development over the next year could make him an even more attractive NBA prospect in 2027.