Dan Hurley Retains Key Piece to Keep UConn Among College Basketball’s Best

Braylon Mullins has announced his return to the University of Connecticut men’s basketball team for the 2026-27 season, reversing his earlier decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal and opting instead to remain in Storrs for his sophomore year.

Mullins, a guard who gained national attention for hitting the game-winning three-pointer in UConn’s Elite Eight victory over Duke last March, confirmed his return via social media on April 18, 2026. The announcement came just days after the Huskies concluded their 2025-26 campaign with a second-round exit in the NCAA Tournament.

His decision to stay provides a significant boost to head coach Dan Hurley’s roster plans for the upcoming season. Mullins was one of several key players whose futures were uncertain following the departures of senior stars Tristen Newton and Cam Spencer to the NBA Draft, as well as the expected exit of freshman sensation Stephon Castle.

According to UConn athletics officials, Mullins informed the coaching staff of his intention to return during a private meeting earlier in the week. His choice to remain in Storrs alleviates concerns about backcourt depth and preserves a player who demonstrated clutch performance under national spotlight pressure.

Mullins appeared in 34 games during his freshman season, averaging 6.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per contest. While his offensive production was modest, he earned praise for his defensive versatility and poise in high-leverage moments, most notably his step-back three over Duke’s Jeremy Roach with 4.7 seconds remaining in the regional final to send UConn to the Final Four.

The return of Mullins addresses a critical need for UConn as it seeks to reload after losing three starters to graduation or professional pursuits. Newton, the Big East Player of the Year, was selected in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, while Spencer signed a two-way contract with an NBA team after going undrafted. Castle, who averaged 16.4 points per game as a freshman, is expected to declare for the draft following the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament.

With Mullins returning, UConn retains at least one proven performer capable of contributing immediately. The Huskies will also welcome a highly rated recruiting class that includes five-star point guard Ace Bailey and four-star forward Liam Carter, both of whom signed national letters of intent during the spring signing period.

Hurley has emphasized continuity and experience as central themes for the 2026-27 roster construction. In a press conference following the NCAA Tournament loss, he stated that retaining players who understand the program’s culture and demands would be a priority, particularly in the backcourt where leadership and decision-making are paramount.

Mullins’ return also has implications for UConn’s standing in the Big East Conference. The Huskies finished the 2025-26 season tied for second in the league standings with a 15-5 record, earning a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Maintaining cohesion among returning players could position UConn to challenge for the conference title and earn a high seed again in 2027.

As of April 18, 2026, UConn has not announced any additional departures from the 2025-26 roster beyond those already confirmed. The program will begin individual workouts in early May, with official team practices scheduled to start in September ahead of the 2026-27 season opener in November.