BREAKING: UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins, hailed as the preseason Big East Freshman of the Year, is set to miss approximately six weeks due to a severe ankle injury sustained during practice earlier this week. The official announcement came from the university on Friday, putting a damper on the team’s opening momentum.
The Huskies are scheduled to kick off their season with home games against New Haven, UMass Lowell, and Columbia before facing a grueling lineup that features BYU, Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, and Florida in just 24 days. Mullins’ projected recovery timeline suggests he could return in time for the game against Kansas on December 2 or at home against East Texas A&M on December 5.
This injury is particularly significant as Mullins, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard from Greenfield, Indiana, is regarded as one of the best perimeter shooters in college basketball. The five-star recruit and potential first-round NBA draft pick was named Mr. Basketball in Indiana and earned a spot as a McDonald’s All-American. Last season, he averaged an impressive 32.9 points per game while shooting over 47% from beyond the arc, earning a 17th ranking in ESPN’s SC Next 100 for the class of 2025.
Mullins had recently showcased his talent by scoring 12 points in just 17 minutes during UConn’s exhibition victory over Boston College last week, hitting two three-pointers. His absence will force the Huskies to adapt quickly. Coach Dan Hurley may opt for a two-point-guard strategy featuring Silas Demary Jr., a Georgia transfer likely to step up, alongside Malachi Smith, a standout transfer from Dayton. Alternatively, a larger lineup could include junior forward Jaylin Stewart, who averaged 5.4 points last season and has received positive feedback during the preseason.
UConn fans are holding their breath as the team navigates this critical early season without one of its star players. The impact of Mullins’ absence could be profound, affecting team dynamics and performance against a challenging schedule ahead. Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops and the Huskies prepare for their season opener.