UConn's Braylon Mullins Makes 2026 NBA Draft Decision, Hit Iconic Game-Winner vs. Duke

UConn guard Braylon Mullins chose to forgo the 2026 NBA draft and return to the school for his sophomore season on Saturday, according to the Field of 68's Jeff Goodman.

Mullins operated as a key piece of the Huskies' starting lineup throughout their run to the 2026 NCAA tournament championship game, highlighted by a game-winning triple to take down Duke in the Elite Eight.

While Mullins' decision is understandable as he attempts to capture a national title next season, it's worth noting that he was projected to be selected with the No. 9 overall pick in the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman.

The 19-year-old averaged 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 steals per game across 33 appearances during the 2025-26 season. He shot 42.1 percent from the field and 33.5 percent from behind the arc.

Mullins' production was particularly impressive considering his season debut was pushed back to Nov. 28 due to an ankle injury.

UConn head coach Dan Hurley previously discussed Mullins choosing to return to the Huskies.

"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]," Hurley said during an April 9 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?"

As UConn looks to go on another deep March Madness run next season, Mullins will be back in the mix.