Hometown Hero Braylon Mullins Leads UConn to Final Four

Mullins' game-winning shot against Duke sends Huskies back to Indianapolis, where he grew up just 30 minutes away.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

UConn Huskies shooting guard Braylon Mullins is the son of Josh and Katie Mullins, high school sweethearts from Greenfield, Indiana. Josh played college basketball and later coached Braylon, who has emerged as a key player in UConn's quest for a third national title in four years. Braylon's game-winning three-pointer against Duke in the Elite Eight sent the Huskies to the Final Four in Indianapolis, just a short drive from his hometown.

Why it matters

Braylon Mullins' heroics have captivated his home state of Indiana, where he is a beloved figure after starring at Greenfield-Central High School. His return to Indianapolis for the Final Four adds an extra layer of drama and hometown pride to UConn's championship pursuit.

The details

Braylon Mullins is the eldest of three boys born to Josh and Katie Mullins, both of whom were high school athletes in Greenfield. Josh played college basketball at IUPUI and later coached Braylon, training him from a young age. Braylon's younger twin brothers, Cole and Clay, also played basketball at Greenfield-Central before committing to Division III programs.

  • On March 29, Braylon Mullins hit a game-winning 35-foot three-pointer with 0.3 seconds left to lift UConn over Duke in the Elite Eight.
  • The Huskies' comeback victory sent them to the Final Four in Indianapolis, just 30 minutes from Mullins' hometown of Greenfield.

The players

Braylon Mullins

A shooting guard for the UConn Huskies and the son of Josh and Katie Mullins, Braylon is a key player in UConn's quest for a third national title in four years.

Josh Mullins

Braylon's father, who played college basketball at IUPUI and later coached his son at Greenfield-Central High School.

Katie Mullins

Braylon's mother, who was a cheerleader at Greenfield-Central High School and is now excited to see her son play in the Final Four in Indianapolis.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It is surreal, unreal, you name it. I don't know that there's a word that I could give you that could describe it. To come back to Indy on a shot like that –it is unbelievable.”

— Josh Mullins, Braylon's father

“For him to be the one to bring UConn to Indianapolis and himself back home, that right there is crazy to think about. We were always told that they were going to get him back to Indy. Well, he took them back to Indy. It's just nuts.”

— Katie Mullins, Braylon's mother

What’s next

UConn will face Illinois in the Final Four on April 5, with the winner advancing to the National Championship game on April 6 against either Arizona or Michigan.

The takeaway

Braylon Mullins' game-winning shot against Duke has made him a hometown hero in Indiana, adding an extra layer of drama and excitement to UConn's pursuit of a third national title in four years.