UConn's Braylon Mullins Focused on Final Four After Elite Eight Heroics

The freshman guard is keeping his eyes on the prize after his game-winning shot against Duke.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:08pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion of a basketball player's jump shot, with the player's face and jersey obscured into abstract shapes and planes.A cubist interpretation of the game-winning shot that has propelled UConn's Braylon Mullins into the national spotlight.Greenfield Today

Braylon Mullins, the 19-year-old shooting guard for the University of Connecticut Huskies, is not resting on the laurels of his game-winning shot against Duke in the Elite Eight. Instead, he is focused on preparing for the Final Four matchup against Illinois, where the Huskies are two wins away from a national championship.

Why it matters

Mullins' game-winning shot against Duke has made him a local hero in his hometown of Greenfield, Indiana, which is just 30 minutes from the Final Four location. However, UConn coach Dan Hurley is making sure Mullins and the team stay grounded, as the ultimate goal is to win the national championship, not just make the Final Four.

The details

During UConn's open practice on Friday, Mullins stuck to a disciplined shooting regimen, not straying more than a couple feet beyond the arc, even when the crowd would have likely cheered on any long-range shots. Hurley has been 'shock coaching' the team since Tuesday, trying to jolt them back to reality and focus on the task at hand.

  • Mullins hit the game-winning shot against Duke on Sunday, March 26, 2026.
  • UConn had its open practice on Friday, March 31, 2026, ahead of the Final Four matchup on Saturday, April 1, 2026.

The players

Braylon Mullins

A 19-year-old freshman shooting guard for the University of Connecticut Huskies, known for his game-winning shot against Duke in the Elite Eight.

Dan Hurley

The head coach of the University of Connecticut Huskies, who is working to keep his team focused on the task at hand rather than basking in the glory of the Duke win.

Jayden Ross

A UConn guard who has noticed a change in Mullins' demeanor since his heroics against Duke.

Jaylin Stewart

A UConn forward who describes Mullins as an emotionless player who doesn't feel pressure in big moments.

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What they’re saying

“It's a shot that I'll remember forever. But I think Tuesday was like reality set in. We're back in practice and coach is yelling at you, 'that never happened,' and 'this didn't happen.' So I think that page was flipped after Tuesday, and now we're all focused on Illinois.”

— Braylon Mullins, UConn Freshman Guard

“The reality is that moment is over. It's an incredible moment. You'll have that moment the rest of your life. But we came here for rings, not watches. Everyone that comes to the Final Four gets a beautiful watch, but only one group is going to get a ring. So get off social media, stop injecting the dopamine into your arm and get serious about the preparation and the practice because we don't hang banners for Final Fours at UConn. We hang National Championship banners.”

— Dan Hurley, UConn Head Coach

“Typically, Braylon is very under the radar, nonchalant and doesn't show too much emotion. He's definitely had a little more light in his eyes since then, as anybody would.”

— Jayden Ross, UConn Guard

“I wouldn't say it's impossible, but if you're not, like, a defensive player it's going to be pretty tough to stop because he has so many different combinations and counters. He uses his pump fake to escape you or get to the basket. He can shoot over you and he has a high vertical.”

— Jaylin Stewart, UConn Forward

What’s next

If UConn defeats Illinois in the Final Four, they will advance to the national championship game on Monday, April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

Braylon Mullins' game-winning shot against Duke has made him a local hero, but UConn's focus is on winning the national championship, not just making the Final Four. Mullins and the Huskies are staying grounded and focused on the task at hand, knowing that their ultimate goal is still two wins away.