STORRS, Conn. — In a decision that bolsters the University of Connecticut men's basketball team's prospects for another deep NCAA tournament run, freshman standout Braylon Mullins announced Saturday that he will return for his sophomore season rather than entering the NBA draft, where he was projected as a first-round pick.
Mullins, a 6-foot-6 guard and former five-star recruit, had been ranked No. 17 on ESPN's most recent NBA draft big board. His father confirmed the news, noting that the young player aims to elevate his draft stock further with another year in college. As a borderline lottery pick, Mullins' choice to stay in Storrs comes after a promising but injury-plagued freshman campaign that saw him average 12.0 points per game while shooting 33.5% from beyond the three-point line.
The announcement arrives at a pivotal time for the Huskies, who are looking to build on their recent success under head coach Dan Hurley. UConn has made the Final Four in three of the last four seasons, including a national championship in 2023 and a runner-up finish in 2024. Mullins' return positions him as a prime breakout candidate, especially after his memorable performance in the NCAA tournament, where he drained a 35-foot three-pointer to defeat Duke and propel UConn to the Final Four.
Entering college, Mullins carried the reputation as one of the nation's elite shooters, having earned McDonald's All-American honors in high school. Despite inconsistencies from deep, particularly hampered by an ankle injury that sidelined him for the first six games of the season, he demonstrated his potential by making at least five three-pointers in three separate games. According to ESPN reports, Mullins' decision reflects a strategic move to refine his skills in a familiar system before testing the professional waters.
Adding to the excitement around the program, UConn secured a significant commitment from the transfer portal on the same day. Duke transfer Nikolas Khamenia, a former top-15 recruit, announced his intention to join the Huskies. The 6-foot-8 forward spent his freshman year coming off the bench for the Blue Devils but stepped up notably when injuries to starters Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II opened opportunities.
During three ACC tournament games, Khamenia averaged 10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds while connecting on 41.7% of his three-point attempts. For the full season, he posted 5.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. His versatility as a shooter and rebounder makes him a valuable addition to UConn's frontcourt, where he is projected to start alongside returning talent.
The Huskies' roster is shaping up to be a powerhouse, with Mullins and Khamenia expected to anchor the starting lineup for a team that should rank in the preseason top five. All-Big East guard Silas Demary Jr. has already declared his return, providing continuity in the backcourt. His teammate, Solo Ball, is also leaning toward coming back to Storrs, according to sources close to the program.
Up front, UConn addressed potential departures by welcoming Seton Hall transfer Najai Hines. Hines steps in to help fill the void left by Tarris Reed Jr. and Eric Reibe, both of whom are exploring professional options. This influx of talent underscores Hurley's aggressive approach to roster construction in the era of the transfer portal and NIL deals, ensuring the Huskies remain contenders in the Big East and beyond.
Mullins' journey to this point has been marked by high expectations. Recruited as one of the top prospects in the Class of 2023, he chose UConn over offers from blue-blood programs like Kentucky and Duke. His freshman year, though interrupted by injury, offered glimpses of stardom, including that clutch shot against Duke on March 30 in the Sweet 16 matchup held in Brooklyn, New York.
The ankle issue, which occurred during preseason preparations, forced Mullins to miss the early non-conference slate, including games against top-10 opponents. When he returned, he gradually built his rhythm, contributing to UConn's 31-4 regular-season record and their third straight NCAA tournament appearance. Experts note that a full offseason of development could see Mullins emerge as a top-10 draft prospect by 2025.
Khamenia's transfer adds another layer of intrigue. At Duke, under coach Jon Scheyer, he was part of a loaded freshman class that included Cooper Flagg, the consensus No. 1 recruit. Yet, with limited minutes in the rotation—averaging just 14.2 per game—Khamenia sought a bigger role. His commitment to UConn was reported by multiple outlets, including ESPN, which highlighted his shooting prowess as a fit for Hurley's motion offense.
The timing of these moves is crucial as the Huskies prepare for the 2024-25 season. With the NBA draft combine set for May 12-19 in Chicago and the draft itself on June 26-27 in New York, players like Mullins had until the May 29 withdrawal deadline to decide their futures. By staying, Mullins joins a growing trend of one-and-done talents opting for a second year to maximize their value amid a competitive draft landscape.
UConn's recent dominance in the Big East cannot be overstated. The conference title in 2024 marked their fifth in seven years, and with key pieces returning, the Huskies are favored to repeat. Demary Jr., who earned All-Big East first-team honors after averaging 15.2 points and 4.1 assists, provides leadership, while Ball's potential return would solidify the guard depth.
Hines, the Seton Hall addition, brings size at 6-foot-10 and experience from 22.3 minutes per game last season, where he averaged 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds. His transfer, announced earlier in the week, helps mitigate the loss of Reed Jr., who transferred from Michigan and became a starter, and Reibe, a German big man who showed promise in limited action.
Looking ahead, UConn's schedule will likely feature marquee non-conference games, possibly including a rematch with Duke or Purdue, whom they beat in the 2024 title game. The program's culture under Hurley, known for its intensity and player development, has produced NBA talents like Andre Jackson Jr. and Jordan Hawkins in recent years. Mullins' decision to stay could propel him into that elite company.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on whether Ball officially returns and if any other portal activity shakes up the roster. For now, these announcements signal that UConn is reloaded and ready to chase another national championship, with Mullins and Khamenia at the forefront of what promises to be an exciting campaign in Storrs.