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It has been quite a year for Braylon Mullins.
The 2025 Indiana Mr. Basketball from Greenfield-Central High School started for UConn and became an NCAA Tournament breakout star, sending the Huskies to the Final Four with a last-second 40-footer against Duke. He made 3-of-10 3-pointers and scored 11 points in UConn's championship game loss to Michigan.
NBA Draft projections for Mullins, who averaged 12.0 points for the Huskies, vary wildly.
"One shot won't change a player's draft stock, but on Braylon Mullins' game-winning three against Duke that came from well beyond the arc, his effortless range and confidence were evident. He took and buried a 40-footer in rhythm without altering his mechanics for a heave.
"Mullins went on to have a strong Final Four, delivering his signature mix of shot-making and athletic/hustle plays that separate him from off-ball shooting specialists.
"He's trending upward entering a predraft process that he can excel in with his stroke and athleticism."
"An instant legend in Storrs for his 38-footer to beat Duke, we already know Mullins is a pure shooter with deep range. He's also a better defender than he gets credit for. But he's been streaky this year at UConn, slumping down the stretch before daggering Duke and continuing that upslope against Illinois, and also needs time to build up his body. If he elects to stay in the draft, he'll need some time, but he could be a nice long-term complement to a young core that features Cooper Flagg and Darius Acuff in this scenario."
"Mullins did not shoot the ball well in the tournament, but he provided its signature moment with his game-winning heave to send UConn to the Final Four. And he hit another big 3 to get them to the championship game.
"While his shooting percentages dipped late in the year due to a massive slump, those clutch shots reinforced what scouts know is a top-tier shooter dating back to his high school days. He's a good candidate to return for another year in a weaker draft where he could easily be picked in the lottery. If he does enter the draft, his ability to spread the floor as a movement shooter with good feel on both ends makes him a worthy flier with a late first round pick."
"The Wolves could, yet again, use some credible backcourt depth. The trauma of the Rob Dillingham experiment (I’ll raise my hand and take an L on that one) will likely dissuade them from going to the undersized lead guard well again, which makes me think Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner, Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson, or someone else with some size will be the move. Size and shooting are always helpful for a team with a proven (albeit flaky) identity on offense, and despite an uncharacteristically bumpy year from 3, Mullins projects to be valuable in that area."
"Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, was a breakout star in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament after hitting one of the most improbable 3-pointers in March Madness history. Mullins continued to show a winning mentality, helping the Huskies earn a spot in the national championship game. The Big East All-Freshman wing shot 40.7% on 3-pointers during his first 18 games in the starting lineup. He is a useful off-ball threat, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level."
The date has not been announced, but it usually takes place in late June, shortly after the NBA Finals conclude.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NBA mock draft 2026: Where Braylon Mullins will be picked in NBA Draft
Continue reading...
The 2025 Indiana Mr. Basketball from Greenfield-Central High School started for UConn and became an NCAA Tournament breakout star, sending the Huskies to the Final Four with a last-second 40-footer against Duke. He made 3-of-10 3-pointers and scored 11 points in UConn's championship game loss to Michigan.
NBA Draft projections for Mullins, who averaged 12.0 points for the Huskies, vary wildly.
Braylon Mullins stats in NCAA Tournament
| Round | Opponent | 3FG | Pts |
| Champ. | Michigan | 3-10 | 11 |
| Final 4 | Illinois | 4-7 | 15 |
| Elite 8 | Duke | 1-5 | 10 |
| Sweet 16 | Mich. St. | 2-5 | 8 |
| Second | UCLA | 2-6 | 17 |
| First | Furman | 0-8 | 12 |
NBA mock draft: Where will Braylon Mullins be picked in the 2026 NBA Draft?
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: 9th to the Chicago Bulls
"One shot won't change a player's draft stock, but on Braylon Mullins' game-winning three against Duke that came from well beyond the arc, his effortless range and confidence were evident. He took and buried a 40-footer in rhythm without altering his mechanics for a heave.
"Mullins went on to have a strong Final Four, delivering his signature mix of shot-making and athletic/hustle plays that separate him from off-ball shooting specialists.
"He's trending upward entering a predraft process that he can excel in with his stroke and athleticism."
Adam Finkelstein, CBS Sports: 30th to the Dallas Mavericks
"An instant legend in Storrs for his 38-footer to beat Duke, we already know Mullins is a pure shooter with deep range. He's also a better defender than he gets credit for. But he's been streaky this year at UConn, slumping down the stretch before daggering Duke and continuing that upslope against Illinois, and also needs time to build up his body. If he elects to stay in the draft, he'll need some time, but he could be a nice long-term complement to a young core that features Cooper Flagg and Darius Acuff in this scenario."
Stephen Noh, Sporting News: 24th to the New York Knicks
"Mullins did not shoot the ball well in the tournament, but he provided its signature moment with his game-winning heave to send UConn to the Final Four. And he hit another big 3 to get them to the championship game.
"While his shooting percentages dipped late in the year due to a massive slump, those clutch shots reinforced what scouts know is a top-tier shooter dating back to his high school days. He's a good candidate to return for another year in a weaker draft where he could easily be picked in the lottery. If he does enter the draft, his ability to spread the floor as a movement shooter with good feel on both ends makes him a worthy flier with a late first round pick."
J. Kyle Mann, The Ringer: 28th to the Minnesota Timberwolves
"The Wolves could, yet again, use some credible backcourt depth. The trauma of the Rob Dillingham experiment (I’ll raise my hand and take an L on that one) will likely dissuade them from going to the undersized lead guard well again, which makes me think Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner, Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson, or someone else with some size will be the move. Size and shooting are always helpful for a team with a proven (albeit flaky) identity on offense, and despite an uncharacteristically bumpy year from 3, Mullins projects to be valuable in that area."
Bryan Kalbrosky, USA TODAY: 15th to the Charlotte Hornets
"Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, was a breakout star in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament after hitting one of the most improbable 3-pointers in March Madness history. Mullins continued to show a winning mentality, helping the Huskies earn a spot in the national championship game. The Big East All-Freshman wing shot 40.7% on 3-pointers during his first 18 games in the starting lineup. He is a useful off-ball threat, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level."
Ricky O'Donnell, SB Nation: 18th to the Oklahoma City Thunder
When is the 2026 NBA Draft?
The date has not been announced, but it usually takes place in late June, shortly after the NBA Finals conclude.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NBA mock draft 2026: Where Braylon Mullins will be picked in NBA Draft
Continue reading...
