Will a UConn Freshman Declare for the 2026 NBA Draft?
Coach Dan Hurley and Husky fans are awaiting the decision from their star point guard, Braylon Mullins, and whether he will remain with UConn for another season or declare for the NBA draft. It is worth noting that Mullins was seen on campus this past week in a full leg cast following surgery, an injury that could impact how NBA scouts evaluate him moving forward. Mullins averaged 12 points for the squad while adding three and a half rebounds and just over one assist per game. His most notable performance came in the tournament against the Duke Blue Devils when he sank a 35-foot shot with 0.4 seconds left in the game. The Huskies had trailed the Blue Devils all night, but a final heave and a prayer punched their ticket into the next round. The star was ‘Mr. Indiana’ before committing to UConn as a top-25 recruit. He was also named a 2025 McDonald’s All-American before committing to ‘The Basketball Capital of the World’.
UConn has had an eventful offseason with players such as Eric Reibe, Jacob Furphy, Rrezon Elezaj, and Uroš Paunović all entering the transfer portal. 21-year-old forward, Jaylin Stewart, also announced he will enter the transfer portal as of April 17th. Additionally, UConn is graduating notable stars such as Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed Jr., Malachi Smith, Dwayne Koroma, and Alec Millender. The entire roster seems to be shifting around, especially with assistant coach Luke Murray leaving for the head coaching position at Boston College. All these changes could play a crucial part in Mullins’ decision to stay or go.
Hurley has always been able to work his magic when it comes to March, and it has shown in recent years. Making the national championship in three of the last four years and winning it twice in back-to-back years, Hurley knows how to recruit. The problem in recent years is players' decisions on staying at certain programs. The transfer portal seems to play a huge role as they search for other programs to thrive in March. With a name like UConn, the NBA draft also opens with players looking for an even bigger step into the next level of play. Last season, Liam McNeeley was one who played his freshman season with UConn before declaring for the NBA draft. Mullins might follow in his footsteps after an impressive freshman year.
The program UConn has and continues to build is the perfect reason for Mullins to stay. For some players, they thrive in college with fast-paced play, especially in the Big East, and exciting fan bases. Another successful season where Mullins can improve his stats and playing time could help his draft stock even more. With the new roster changes, Mullins would find himself playing more and forced to step into a bigger role for the team with key players leaving. UConn brought in Najai Hines from the transfer portal after losing all centers on the roster. The Seton Hall transfer should fit in well with the Big East style of play and make a positive addition coming from Hurley's alma mater.
Mullins’ decision remains in the air as fans await his important announcement. The postseason is always an exciting time for fans to see what roster spots will open or what players will join. For the Husky Nation, Mullins is a player they want to hold on to for a while. The early entry deadline for underclassmen when it comes to declaring for the draft is late April, usually between the 24th and 27th. Mullins will have until then to decide where he’ll knot up his laces and put on a jersey for next year.
