Dan Hurley Talks Braylon Mullins' NBA Draft Decision, 'Would Probably Make More Money at UConn'

Braylon Mullins has an big decision to make this offseason.

The UConn sharpshooter had a fantastic freshman season, which surely turned heads in the NBA. But whether he should make the jump to the pros or stick around in college is a complicated question.

"I think the world has changed. There's not this pressure to go to the NBA now because of the money situation [due to NIL]. Players like Braylon are probably, he would probably make more money at UConn next year than he would if he were the No. 15 pick [at the NBA draft]," UConn head coach Dan Hurley said Thursday during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show (6:58 mark). "So those are the things you have to weigh. How badly do I want to get out of college and get to the NBA?"

Hurley noted that for some players, getting to the NBA as quickly as possible is the goal if they don't enjoy the college experience. For players who do enjoy college, however, sticking around has the chance to be more profitable than being a non-lottery pick at the draft. He said those were the type of conversations he would have with Mullins and his family while they mulled his future.

Granted, Mullins might just be a top-10 selection if he declares. B/R's Jonathan Wasserman projected him to go No. 9 overall in his latest mock draft, noting that Mullins had a "strong Final Four, delivering his signature mix of shotmaking and athletic/hustle plays that separate him from off-ball shooting specialists. He's trending upward entering a pre-draft process that he can excel in with his stroke and athleticism."

If NBA teams also see him as a top-10 talent, it might be wise to make the jump and avoid the sort of injury risk that could negatively impact his draft stock down the line. But he'll have plenty to consider while making a decision.