UConn Star Braylon Mullins Sidelines for Six Weeks with Ankle Injury

UConn Huskies fans got some tough news: freshman guard Braylon Mullins will miss about six weeks after injuring his ankle in practice. The Huskies really counted on Mullins’ sharpshooting to make a splash this season.

He was already named the preseason Big East Freshman of the Year. Mullins’ absence is going to sting as UConn faces a tricky early schedule.

Braylon Mullins: A Rising Star

Braylon Mullins, a 6-foot-6 guard from Greenfield, Indiana, has already built a reputation as one of the top perimeter shooters entering college hoops. He was a McDonald’s All American in high school and took home Indiana’s Mr. Basketball award, which speaks volumes about his talent and drive.

ESPN ranked him No. 17 in the SC Next 100 for the class of 2025. Mullins averaged a wild 32.9 points per game as a senior, hitting over 47% from deep.

High School Accomplishments

In high school, Mullins showed off his scoring and all-around game. His efforts led to a stack of awards, including:

• McDonald’s All American
• Mr. Basketball in Indiana
• Ranked No. 17 in ESPN’s SC Next 100
• Averaged 32.9 points per game
• Shot over 47% from 3-point range

Impact of Mullins’ Injury on UConn

The timing couldn’t be worse for UConn, honestly. The Huskies kick off their season with home games against New Haven, UMass Lowell, and Columbia.

But the real grind starts with a brutal stretch against BYU, Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, and Florida, all packed into just 24 days. Not ideal to be down a key shooter.

Potential Return Timeline

If the six-week recovery goes as planned, Mullins might be back for the Kansas game on December 2. If not, maybe he’ll suit up at home against East Texas A&M on December 5.

Both the team and fans are definitely counting down the days, hoping his return boosts their shooting and overall presence on the floor.

UConn’s Options Without Mullins

With Mullins out, head coach Dan Hurley has to get creative with his lineups. Luckily, UConn’s roster is deep, so they’ve got a few different looks to try.

Two-Point-Guard Lineup

One idea is to go with two point guards: Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr. and Dayton transfer Malachi Smith. Demary Jr. seems set to start, and Smith made a strong impression in the preseason.

That combo could give UConn more ball-handling and playmaking, which helps make up for Mullins’ missing points.

Bigger Lineup

There’s also a chance Hurley goes big, slotting in junior forward Jaylin Stewart. Stewart put up 5.4 points per game last season and coaches have been impressed with his preseason work.

His size and flexibility could help UConn stay strong in the paint and on defense.

Looking Ahead: UConn’s Season Prospects

Even with this setback, UConn’s still stacked and ready to compete. The next few weeks will test their grit, but they’ve got the depth and coaching to figure things out.

Key Players to Watch

Besides Demary Jr. and Smith, a few other Huskies need to step up while Mullins heals:

• Adama Sanogo: He dominates inside—UConn will lean on his rebounding and scoring.
• Jordan Hawkins: Hawkins can shoot and defend, so he’ll be crucial in picking up the slack.
• Andre Jackson: Jackson’s versatility lets him impact the game in all sorts of ways.

Conclusion

Braylon Mullins’ injury is a tough blow for the UConn Huskies. Still, it opens the door for other players to show what they’ve got.

The team faces a tricky early-season schedule. UConn’s depth and versatility are about to get a real test.

Everyone—fans, analysts, maybe even a few skeptics—will keep an eye on how UConn handles this setback. Maybe Mullins comes back stronger and makes a difference later in the season. Who knows?