The Bringer of Rain Returns: Braylon Mullins Stuns Everyone Says No To The NBA For Now And Heads Back to UConn
Remember this guy?
The Bringer of Rain, as Dan Hurley calls him, Braylon Mullins, announced on X.com he's coming back to UConn for his sophomore season. Well, his dad actually announced it on his X.com account
He looked like a lock to be a Top 25 pick in the NBA Draft. He's a great scorer and an elite shooter, and he would fit in with almost any NBA system.
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I'm with The Commissioner - I can't believe he's coming back. And I'm giddy about it.
Hand up - I hate this new era of college basketball, where guys transfer at the drop of a hat. They deserve to get paid, of course, 100%, but the portal and NIL are tough for an old guy like me to accept.
In this case, NIL likely helped UConn keep Mullins. Coach Hurley recently said that UConn could probably get him as much money as he would get as the 15th pick in the NBA Draft. If the money is going to be the same and you like college and your coach, why go to the NBA now???
He also has some unfinished business. His UConn team lost a great Michigan squad in the National Title game a few Mondays ago. With Mullins back, UConn is going to be a major player again this season. Hurley is the best coach in the country.
Point guard Silas Demary is coming back - he was put on this earth to play PG for UConn.
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Hurley scooped Nik Khamenia from Duke. He's a former 5-star recruit. I reached out to Mr. Duke, Marty Mush, who says Khemenia is a great shooter and "Hurley will use him so well."
And they added big man Najai Hines from rival Seton Hall.
But the story is Mullins. His return is big for UConn and looms large for college basketball. He hit the biggest shot of the season in knocking out Duke at the buzzer. Having him back as one of the true faces of the sport next season is a big deal. Most of the best players in college head to the draft after their freshman year. Mullins became a household name with his shot and will be a big marketing tool for the sport this season.
Brett Wilhelm. Getty Images.
Emilee Chinn. Getty Images.These pictures of his game-winner have become iconic, and the impact of having the guy who made it happen back in your sport for another year can't be overstated.
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Braylon Mullins is back.
A great day for UConn and a great day for college basketball.