2025 Recruiting: Braylon Mullins discusses his recruitment, timeline

[TheHorde]

100%. I've been saying this for a while...guys who are taking a few hundred K more just for that reason are taking a short-sighted approach. With the right development and preparation for the NBA, you'll make up that few hundred K in spades. Not that it shouldn't be a factor, but it shouldn't be the number one factor if you're a recruit with aspirations to play at the next level.

We get that UConn is not at the top of the heap in NIL. We get that some other programs do a very good job with development. Do I think this program is the gold standard for development and winning with our staff? Yes. Yes I do. And frankly it doesn’t do our program any favors to fret or obsess over NIL. We should focus on our primary strengths and what we do at the highest level, which is develop and win. And any poster here that doesn’t believe that…I’d ask them why are you here? Have you not seen enough evidence especially after the past two years to buy in? Recruits may or may not read these threads, but what possible good can come from taking a woe is us approach on NIL and constantly talking about it over highlighting development and winning? Believe or leave, I say! Haha

 

[navery12]

This is the real story. The BY in general frets too much about NIL and perceived NIL disparities. The real money is in the first and second NBA contracts. That’s where development pays multiples of NIL. If you buy into “all programs are about the same, and these kids would go in the same spot wherever they go”, then NIL probably means the world to you. But outside of the Flaggs and Dybantsas, development matters. Staffs aren’t all the same, and your strengths can be amplified and your weaknesses minimized depending on where you play. This fan base should be imo echoing that, since that is our strongest selling point.

You're preaching to the choir. Everyone here knows you should prioritize development, we're all UConn fans. But it is not debatable that high school kids are not always doing that, and that's why NIL is a factor

 

[TheHorde]

You're preaching to the choir. Everyone here knows you should prioritize development, we're all UConn fans. But it is not debatable that high school kids are not always doing that, and that's why NIL is a factor

There’s an awful lot of angst and hand wringing on here about NIL. I don’t think it helps our cause, honestly. Understood that the kids don’t fully get it. While other staffs are doing good things with development—-Oats at Alabama is one name that comes to mind—I can’t be silent anymore pretending that playing for Mike Woodson, who is on the hot seat, would not be a disastrous career decision for a kid like Mullins. $750,000 extra in NIL does not make that make sense. I’m sure our staff is trumpeting our strengths. Posters here should be too to a larger degree is all I’m saying.

 

[ec33]

The Reibe situation is interesting in that he’s going to take a visit with Oregon soon. This is a Maryland kid being courted by plenty of more established hoops programs a lot more local. He’s also taken a number of visits and clearly enjoying the experience and doing some thorough due diligence. UO is interesting mainly because of the Phil Knight factor, which like a KSt, signals NIL importance. I see no other reason to consider UO and extend out your announcement when you can be the future backfill to Clingan, Dickinson and Kalk.

A kid from Under Armour's state going to visit Nike U is interesting.

 

[navery12]

There’s an awful lot of angst and hand wringing on here about NIL. I don’t think it helps our cause, honestly. Understood that the kids don’t fully get it. While other staffs are doing good things with development—-Oats at Alabama is one name that comes to mind—I can’t be silent anymore pretending that playing for Mike Woodson, who is on the hot seat, would not be a disastrous career decision for a kid like Mullins. $750,000 extra in NIL does not make that make sense. I’m sure our staff is trumpeting our strengths. Posters here should be too to a larger degree is all I’m saying.

Do you think Braylon Mullins is reading the Boneyard and deciding where to go to college based on what UConn fans think is best for him? Who cares what people on here say or think. NIL is here and is a factor, and posters saying as much is not some outlandish thing

 

[awy]

there seem to be a group of elite programs that are coordinating NIL offers to try to set a price. it may or may not work.

 

[TheHorde]

Do you think Braylon Mullins is reading the Boneyard and deciding where to go to college based on what UConn fans think is best for him? Who cares what people on here say or think. NIL is here and is a factor, and posters saying as much is not some outlandish thing

Agree to disagree. Shocking I know. My points were missed. That’s okay.

 

[superjohn]

There’s an awful lot of angst and hand wringing on here about NIL. I don’t think it helps our cause, honestly.

From who?

We get loaded classes every season and are on the best run in college basketball since UCLA.

 

[TheHorde]

From who?

We get loaded classes every season and are on the best run in college basketball since UCLA.

On NiL? Lots of posts. No hand wringing about the success of the program. Reread what I said. NIL discussions and perceived disadvantages or what some other schools have to spend. I said NOTHING about the state of the program overall.

 

[superjohn]

On NiL? Lots of posts. No hand wringing about the success of the program. Reread what I said. NIL discussions and perceived disadvantages or what some other schools have to spend. I said NOTHING about the state of the program overall.

Our NIL is great, our recruiting is great, and we have hands down the best program in the country.

If people are fretting about anything you should probably put them on ignore.

 

[TheHorde]

Our NIL is great, our recruiting is great, and we have hands down the best program in the country.

If people are fretting about anything you should probably put them on ignore.

I agree that our NIL is very competitive. It’s not at the top of the heap, but by many accounts is around top 15-20. Agreed on the recruiting and the state of the program. I’ve tried the ignore thing and maybe it’s my technical incompetence, but sadly I still see them lol. I don’t expect recruits to be nosing around the board. Though some might. Family members and inner circle friends have. Perceptions can become reality. I just don’t see much sense in highlighting something that is A factor, and treating it like it is or even should be a primary factor. I’d rather focus on our strengths, which is winning at the highest level, and churning out developed kids into the lottery and onto NBA rosters.

 

[Deleted at users request]

No data to refer to yet on these things, but I'd wager Mullins makes triple the 750k difference in his first 2 years, maybe first year in the NBA if he goes to UConn. Woodson is going to cost him money over the long haul. Alot of money if your first year contract is light 1.5 mil or something crazy like that. NBA guys chime in, I don't know the numbers very well.

As crazy as it sounds Indiana has done a pretty good job of getting guys to the league. Ware was looking like a bust at Oregon and he became a first rounder at Indiana and may be in line for a big role with the Heat. They’ve done pretty well the last 3 years getting guys drafted in the first round.

I promise it is possible for players to go to the NBA and make money without coming here to do it…. Unless they go to UNC. There’s something legitimately wrong with that program.

I don’t think they’ve produced a first rounder since COVID.

 

[RuffRuff]

If it was a closing meeting, wouldn't Dan Hurley be there too?

At this point in the season, likely not needed. He’s already put plenty of time in, and someone has to run a practice. I do think the assistants get tagged as owners of certain recruits and become “handlers”.

Not sure much more has to be said at this point, other than updates on other recruits and fit, squaring away NIL and walking away with a directional sense to manage the full pool appropriately.

 

[AllHusky]

The difference between what Castle got being drafted 4th and what Clingan got being drafted 7th was a little over $4.6 million in guaranteed money. So in the lottery, literally one spot of draft position would make up or more than make up that difference.

Thanks. Supports my guess and then some!!

 

[TheHorde]

Thanks. Supports my guess and then some!!

As another poster said, the further down you go in the first round, the dollar discrepancy from one pick to the next I think generally decreases.

 

[AllHusky]

If it was a closing meeting, wouldn't Dan Hurley be there too?

Probably just a "message" meeting. "Da Boss sez youse gonna regret not goin to da Huskies$$$$$$$$"

 

[RuffRuff]

This punk better back off

 

[awy]

if he has to work hard it's over

 

[Fan1978]

A kid from Under Armour's state going to visit Nike U is interesting.

Under armor is practically bankrupt

 

[KingAG]

Harrelson is going to ND. Indiana guys thought he was a done deal too. Hopefully they were wrong about Mullins as well

 

[Mister P]

I live in Indiana and this recruitment is interesting.

Here is what I've heard regarding NIL

Mullins to IU and NIL is $1.5 million. UConn and UNC offered in neighborhood of $750k


Then IU reportedly offered Harrelson $1 million, but ND is matching, so the bid is getting higher and higher.

I posted last week in the other Mullins thread( it has since been locked), that I was told some info on the UConn offer to Mullins. It was more than the 750k that you have heard but not as high as the 1.5 mil that IU has reportedly offered. I don’t think the difference between UConn's offer and IU’s offer will be the deciding factor.

I was updated this afternoon that right now IU is in the lead b/c the parents want him to stay in state but the family is more impressed with the UConn coaching staff and that UConn is still in play.

Hopefully Luke can present to them again that Braylon’s best interest for college and NBA success will be at UConn and in a system that showcases his talents.

 

[The Viking]

They could slot some of that NIL money to Mullins to lock him in - or maybe Mullins isn't as enticed to play there without Haralson? We will find out soon

 

[UConnTrumbull]

Just noticed that Haralson and Darius Adams go to the same high school. The state of Indiana has some serious talent this year. Hopefully Adams/Mullins talk.

 

[husky429]

Just noticed that Haralson and Darius Adams go to the same high school. The state of Indiana has some serious talent this year. Hopefully Adams/Mullins talk.

Adams isn't from Indiana. Just goes to school there. Jersey kid

 

[BigTenFan]

Indiana always produces great HS talent.....men's and women's. Ashlynn Shade had a fantastic freshman year for Uconn

 

[7774]

Just noticed that Haralson and Darius Adams go to the same high school. The state of Indiana has some serious talent this year. Hopefully Adams/Mullins talk.

Indiana always produces great HS talent.....men's and women's. Ashlynn Shade had a fantastic freshman year for Uconn

We’re talking about La Lumiere right? So it’s not really an Indiana high school.

 

[Huskyforlife]

I posted last week in the other Mullins thread( it has since been locked), that I was told some info on the UConn offer to Mullins. It was more than the 750k that you have heard but not as high as the 1.5 mil that IU has reportedly offered. I don’t think the difference between UConn's offer and IU’s offer will be the deciding factor.

I was updated this afternoon that right now IU is in the lead b/c the parents want him to stay in state but the family is more impressed with the UConn coaching staff and that UConn is still in play.

Hopefully Luke can present to them again that Braylon’s best interest for college and NBA success will be at UConn and in a system that showcases his talents.

There is no chance we are offering Mullins more than 750k lets be serious.

 

[RuffRuff]

I posted last week in the other Mullins thread( it has since been locked), that I was told some info on the UConn offer to Mullins. It was more than the 750k that you have heard but not as high as the 1.5 mil that IU has reportedly offered. I don’t think the difference between UConn's offer and IU’s offer will be the deciding factor.

I was updated this afternoon that right now IU is in the lead b/c the parents want him to stay in state but the family is more impressed with the UConn coaching staff and that UConn is still in play.

Hopefully Luke can present to them again that Braylon’s best interest for college and NBA success will be at UConn and in a system that showcases his talents.

Can relax in that he will be playing at Butler, Cinci and DePaul once a year - all very drivable. Quick flights to Milwaukee and Omaha.

If he develops into an NBA player, unless he’s playing for the Pacers, he ain’t gonna have mom and dad around the corner. Get that kid ready for life!

 

[BigTenFan]

We’re talking about La Lumiere right? So it’s not really an Indiana high school.

Noblesville-through Jr year.

 

[Umami Zen]

Sisley working hard on Mullins for IU