UConn Star Mullins Opts to Stay for Sophomore Season

Projected first-round NBA draft pick will return to Huskies, boosting their Final Four hopes.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:36am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college basketball player's jump shot, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue and white representing the UConn team colors, conveying the dynamic energy and potential of the Huskies' roster for the upcoming season.Mullins' decision to return to UConn for his sophomore season gives the Huskies a potential superstar to build around as they aim for a fourth Final Four appearance in five years.Storrs Today

UConn freshman Braylon Mullins, a projected first-round NBA draft pick, has decided to return to the Huskies for his sophomore season. Mullins, who hit the game-winning shot to beat Duke and send UConn to the Final Four, will look to improve his draft stock with another year in Storrs under coach Dan Hurley.

Why it matters

Mullins' decision to stay at UConn is a major boost for the Huskies, who are aiming for their fourth Final Four appearance in five seasons. As a projected first-round pick, Mullins' return gives UConn a potential superstar to build around as they look to compete for a national championship.

The details

Mullins, a 6-foot-6 guard, was ranked No. 17 on ESPN's most recent NBA draft big board. He averaged 12.0 points per game as a freshman, making 33.5% of his 3-pointers. Mullins was slowed by an ankle injury early in the season, but still made at least five 3-pointers in a game on three separate occasions. UConn also landed a key transfer in Duke's Nikolas Khamenia, a former top-15 recruit who will provide additional depth and scoring for the Huskies.

  • Mullins announced his decision to return to UConn on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • Mullins made the game-winning shot to beat Duke and send UConn to the Final Four during the 2025-26 season.

The players

Braylon Mullins

A 6-foot-6 freshman guard at UConn who is a projected first-round pick in the 2026 NBA draft. Mullins was a former five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American who hit the shot of the NCAA tournament to beat Duke and send UConn to the Final Four.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the UConn men's basketball team, who will look to guide the Huskies to their fourth Final Four appearance in five seasons with Mullins returning.

Nikolas Khamenia

A 6-foot-8 transfer from Duke who announced his commitment to UConn on the same day as Mullins' decision to return. Khamenia was a former top-15 recruit who saw an increased role with the Blue Devils late in the season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Braylon Mullins, who is ranked No. 17 on ESPN's most recent NBA draft big board, will look to boost his stock with a second season in Storrs.”

— Jeff Borzello, Author

What’s next

With Mullins and Khamenia joining a roster that already includes All-Big East guard Silas Demary Jr. and potentially Solo Ball, UConn will be widely projected as a preseason top-five team and a favorite to reach the Final Four for the fourth time in five seasons.

The takeaway

Mullins' decision to return to UConn for his sophomore season is a major win for the Huskies, as they now have a potential superstar to build around as they look to compete for a national championship. His return, coupled with the addition of Khamenia from the transfer portal, makes UConn an even more formidable contender in the 2026-27 season.