UConn's Solo Ball and Braylon Mullins Struggle with Shooting Slumps in NCAA Tournament UConn men’s basketball faced a disastrous 5-for-25 performance from beyond the arc in the NCAA Tournament Round of 64, with Solo Ball and Braylon Mullins, two of the team’s top shooters, struggling to find their range. The Huskies’ poor shooting, combined with a lack of offensive efficiency, raised concerns about their ability to advance in the tournament. While Tarris Reed’s standout performance with 31 points and 27 rebounds offered some hope, the team’s reliance on his production may not be sustainable without improved shooting from Ball and Mullins. Ball and Mullins combined to make just one of 14 three-pointers in the loss to Furman, continuing their struggles from deep. Mullins, who entered the season as a highly touted five-star recruit, has shot only 5-for-38 from three-point range over his last five games. Ball’s issues have been more consistent, with his shooting percentage under 30% from beyond the arc this season. Despite their struggles, both players have shown value in other areas. Mullins has maintained a strong 2-point shooting clip at nearly 70% and added defensive contributions, while Ball has improved his mid-range and free-throw shooting, though his lack of assists and turnovers remains a concern. Hurley, UConn’s head coach, expressed confidence in both players’ ability to regain their shooting touch. He emphasized that the team’s struggles are not due to a lack of effort or talent but rather a matter of timing and the law of averages. “They’re generating looks they’re capable of making,” Hurley said. “It’s just about getting the first few shots to fall.” Mullins, who missed the first six games of the season due to a preseason ankle injury, had shown promise earlier in the year.#uconn #ncaa_tournament #tarris_reed #braylon_mullins #solo_ball
Braylon Mullins NBA Mock Draft Projection: Where UConn Star Is Expected to Land March Madness is in full swing, and the nation’s top college athletes are seizing the opportunity to solidify their positions in the upcoming 2026 NBA draft class. Scheduled for late June, the draft will determine where prospects like UConn’s Braylon Mullins are likely to be selected. In the latest mock draft from USA TODAY, Mullins is projected to be chosen in the first round, with his expected pick falling at No. 20 overall to the Charlotte Hornets. The projection is based on Tankathon’s lottery predictions, which outline the draft order for teams with the highest chances of securing top selections. Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald’s All-American, has been a standout performer for the Huskies despite missing the early part of the season due to an ankle injury. His return has been instrumental in UConn’s success, and his skills have drawn significant attention from NBA scouts. Kalbrosky’s analysis highlights Mullins’ appeal as a versatile off-ball threat, a trait that makes him an immediate asset in the NBA. His ability to create space for teammates and his shooting accuracy have been key factors in his rise. Since moving into the starting lineup, Mullins has demonstrated his shooting prowess, hitting 37.1 percent of his three-point attempts. This efficiency, combined with his defensive instincts and playmaking ability, positions him as a high-value prospect. As a Big East All-Freshman selection, Mullins has already made a name for himself in college basketball. His performance this season has reinforced his status as a top-tier talent, and the NBA community is closely watching his development.#uconn #charlotte_hornets #tankathon #braylon_mullins #big_east_all_freshman
UConn Freshman Braylon Mullins Projected as 2026 NBA Draft Lottery Pick Braylon Mullins, a 6-foot-6 freshman guard for the University of Connecticut, is widely expected to enter the 2026 NBA draft, with his performance in the NCAA Tournament potentially determining his draft position. While his early entry into professional basketball is nearly certain, the exact timing of his departure from college remains a topic of discussion among analysts and scouts. Mullins, hailing from Greenfield, Indiana, has emerged as one of the standout players for the Huskies this season, contributing significantly to their 29-5 record and No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The team is set to face No. 15 seed Furman in their opening game, and Mullins’ potential impact on the tournament could play a crucial role in shaping his future in the NBA. Mullins’ high school career was already impressive, as he was named Indiana’s Mr. Basketball and a McDonald’s All-American in 2025. During his senior season, he led Greenfield-Central to a 23-4 record while averaging 32.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 3.7 steals per game. His standout performance came from his elite 3-point shooting, which reached an astonishing 47.2 percent from beyond the arc. This skill earned him a spot as the No. 2 shooting guard in the country, despite choosing UConn over offers from North Carolina and Indiana. At the collegiate level, Mullins has quickly adapted to the NCAA’s competitive environment. As a freshman, he averages 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, with a 34.5 percent shooting rate from three-point range. While he missed seven games due to injuries and a concussion, his performance has steadily improved since entering the starting lineup in early December. His 3-point accuracy climbed to 37.#uconn #ncaa_tournament #golden_state_warriors #braylon_mullins #greenfield_indiana
Braylon Mullins NBA Mock Draft Projection: Where UConn Star Is Expected to Land As March Madness continues, college basketball stars are positioning themselves for potential NBA careers, with the 2026 draft set for late June. In the latest mock draft from USA TODAY, UConn guard Braylon Mullins is projected to be selected in the first round, with his expected pick falling at No. 20 overall to the Charlotte Hornets. The projection is based on Tankathon’s lottery analysis, which outlines the likely draft order for the upcoming class. Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald’s All-American, faced early-season challenges after missing the start of the season due to an ankle injury. However, he has since returned to action for the Huskies and demonstrated his value as a versatile player. His ability to operate as an off-ball threat makes him an attractive prospect for NBA teams seeking a player who can contribute immediately. The Big East All-Freshman wing has shown significant improvement, particularly in his role as a starting guard. Since moving into the starting lineup, Mullins has maintained a 37.1% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, highlighting his potential as a three-point shooter. The Hornets’ projected draft picks for 2026 include selections at No. 13, No. 20 (via Phoenix), and No. 42 (via Golden State). These picks reflect the team’s current lottery position and their potential trade assets. Mullins’ inclusion in the first-round projection underscores his status as a top-tier prospect, despite his injury setback. His combination of shooting ability, playmaking skills, and defensive versatility positions him as a valuable asset for any NBA team looking to bolster their roster. Mullins’ statistical performance as of March 15 further supports his draft stock. He averages 3.5 rebounds per game, 1.#big_east #uconn #charlotte_hornets #tankathon #braylon_mullins
