Braylon Mullins, who delivered one of the most iconic moments of the 2026 NCAA tournament, has announced he will return to the University of Connecticut for his sophomore season and will not declare for the upcoming NBA Draft.
Mullins made the announcement via Instagram on Saturday, a decision later confirmed by his father on social media. The 6-foot-6 guard secured his place in March Madness lore with a miraculous half-court buzzer-beater to defeat Duke and send UConn to the Final Four.
Considered a potential first-round pick, Mullins is projected to improve his NBA draft stock by returning to school. He aims to enhance his shot creation and defensive skills, and his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings could potentially rival the salary of a mid-first-round selection.
As a freshman, Mullins averaged 12 points per game. His return, alongside teammate Solo Ball and key new additions, bolsters UConn's roster as they look to contend for another national championship.