UPDATE: UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins, the preseason Big East Freshman of the Year, will miss approximately six weeks due to an ankle injury sustained during practice earlier this week, the university confirmed today. This injury could significantly impact the Huskies as they prepare for a challenging start to the season.
The Huskies kick off their season with home games against New Haven, UMass Lowell, and Columbia, before facing a grueling schedule that includes matchups against BYU, Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, and Florida in just 24 days. Mullins is expected to return either for the game against Kansas on December 2 or at home versus East Texas A&M on December 5.
Standing at 6-foot-6 and hailing from Greenfield, Indiana, Mullins is highly regarded as one of the top perimeter shooters entering college basketball this season. The five-star recruit, who was named Mr. Basketball in Indiana, averaged a staggering 32.9 points last season while shooting over 47% from beyond the arc. He was also a McDonald’s All-American in high school and ranked No. 17 in ESPN’s SC Next 100 for the class of 2025.
In his previous exhibition game against Boston College, Mullins showcased his talents by scoring 12 points and hitting two three-pointers in just 17 minutes on the court. His absence leaves a significant void for the Huskies, who will need to adapt quickly.
Coach Dan Hurley may implement a two-point-guard lineup featuring Silas Demary Jr., a transfer from Georgia, who is likely to step into a starting role, alongside Malachi Smith from Dayton, who has impressed during the preseason. Alternatively, Hurley could opt for a larger lineup that includes junior forward Jaylin Stewart, who averaged 5.4 points last season and has garnered positive feedback in training camp.
With the season’s opening tip-off just around the corner, the Huskies must quickly adjust to the loss of their star rookie. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this injury affects UConn’s performance against their upcoming opponents. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
