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4w ago

Braylon Mullins Chooses UConn Over 2026 NBA Draft

Lucrative NIL opportunities made a return more appealing than a late first round jump.

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – FEBRUARY 03: Braylon Mullins #24 of the Connecticut Huskies plays against the Xavier Musketeers during the second half of an NCAA men’s basketball game at PeoplesBank Arena on February 03, 2026 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
Apr 6, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) dribbles the ball against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half in the national championship of the Final Four of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament between the and the Michigan Wolverines at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Mullins, who announced his choice Saturday on Instagram, will skip the 2026 NBA draft and play a second season for UConn.
  • He was widely projected in the first round, with mock drafts ranging from the lottery to the mid teens after a freshman year at 12.0 points per game.
  • Coach Dan Hurley has said NIL money can top late first round pay, and reporting says Mullins was highly compensated to return.
  • UConn added Duke transfer Nikolas Khamenia and Seton Hall center Najai Hines, setting up a retooled lineup for the sophomore guard to lead.
  • The guard’s Elite Eight winner over Duke boosted his profile, and a year to add strength, steadier defense, and better three point numbers could lift his 2027 draft slot.