Braylon Mullins Support

[Inyatkin]

Some people love that players get paid now because it gives them an excuse to be more critical of them. Weird behavior, honestly

 

[Scottobot]

Not sure what is going on with Reibe either. Noticed the BL myself.- I hope he didn’t think he was coming to UConn to take threes.

Reibe has been up and down all season. Seems like after he makes a few good plays he settles in. Sometimes he gets off to bad start and then can’t seem to shake it.

 

[RuffRuff]

Ball was 30% as a freshman also. Is that was he is or is he actually a 40% shooter? His midrange looks great, so maybe the focus needs to shift there while he and Mullins start hitting what are some wide open uncontested 3s. When you shoot 1 of 14 from 3 versus 50% from 2 the math no longer supports the 3.

I know people get protective of college kids, but NIL has changed the rules.There’s a big difference between attacking a kid’s character and stating the fact that a starter earning 7 figures is shooting 14%. I had no idea he was 6-of-41 until someone mentioned it in the chat. If you’re making money, performance based criticism comes with the territory. As far as Mullin being NBA ready, I do not think he is. Is it terrible criticism if an NBA scout says it? No because it’s a business.

It's hard to know what the real Solo Ball is. My guess, based on so many other elements of his game seem mental (spacing out on defense & rebounding), he's not built to be versatile. Focus on the one thing you're good at.

 

[Mr. French]

I don’t even question the shot selection. Shooters shoot. Let him fire away.

I think that play at halftime was actually what Hurley drew up, just 2 seconds too early. With the way we were rebounding the ball, it seemed like a good plan, jack up a 3 and have enough time for a second chance look if it misses. I think Mullins just slightly got sped up and lost track of the time, it happens.

I agree with your first sentiment.

The second paragraph, I’d be shocked if that was the plan. Up 7 with 14 on the clock, out of a time out, you can’t shoot on 1 pass w 10 left. There’s no coach in America that would want that scenario.

 

[Scoe]

That stretch where Mullins hit midrange shots were huge it put us in control of the game pretty much. Criticism is one thing running on your narrative and continued piling on is another.

I don’t get why people in the chat were so mad when Mullins shot an open 3 with about 5 seconds left in the half, was it frustrating the way the half ended yes, those getting mad at him for taking that open 3 would’ve been ranting if he didn’t shoot it.

 

[Stinger92860]

Slander - the action or crime of making a a false statement damaging a person’s reputation.

Overall, Mullin’s defense is a challenge, especially down low. Yes he made 2 excellent plays but he does not yet have the strength to guard down low. He is taking a pounding down there and on screens. Team are hoping he switches with whomever slips and they can back him down. Plus he reaches in a lot, causing him to commit the nickel dimers. If you are seeing it differently, your opinion. Let’s hope he gets hot, but I wonder if he is just beat up and worn down. Right now his efficiency is much better from 2.

 

[Palatine]

I don’t even question the shot selection. Shooters shoot. Let him fire away.

I think that play at halftime was actually what Hurley drew up, just 2 seconds too early. With the way we were rebounding the ball, it seemed like a good plan, jack up a 3 and have enough time for a second chance look if it misses. I think Mullins just slightly got sped up and lost track of the time, it happens.

That shot was way too soon. You do not leave time on the clock for the other team to score. Forget the rebound. Either make or miss as the clock expires. It was bad but not fatal.

Geno lost a National Championship game in a similar situation at the end of a game. UConn had the ball in a tie game with the shot clock off. A player shot with enough time for Mississippi State to get the rebound and claim a national title.

 

[Scottobot]

Between the game chats and posts on the Boneyard the Mullins pile-on has gotten pretty excessive. Critique the play, sure. The late-half shot wasn’t ideal and his recent stretch has been inconsistent. That’s fair. But some of the commentary goes way beyond basketball and turns personal fast.
The “not NBA ready” talk especially feels misplaced. He’s 19. He never declared himself one-and-done that hype mostly came from the media, and with it came unreal expectations. He’s still a legit shooter with strong instincts and athleticism you can’t teach. Development isn’t linear.
He’ll figure out his future with his circle after the season. In the meantime, it’d be great if the energy stayed behind him and the team. Support your guys, live with the ups and downs, and keep it about hoops. We need him for this stretch.

I don’t agree with fans trashing a player when they are down, but I understand it. They are so frustrated and just want everyone else to feel their pain, but its not good for the player. Assuming players read these forums, its better to be supportive. Mullins mid range games has been good and he made a couple defensive plays in second half.

 

[Stinger92860]

I don’t get why people in the chat were so mad when Mullins shot an open 3 with about 5 seconds left in the half, was it frustrating the way the half ended yes, those getting mad at him for taking that open 3 would’ve been ranting if he didn’t shoot it.

Did you see Hurley’s reaction? lol

 

[FlippinCrazy!]

I agree with your first sentiment.

The second paragraph, I’d be shocked if that was the plan. Up 7 with 14 on the clock, out of a time out, you can’t shoot on 1 pass w 10 left. There’s no coach in America that would want that scenario.

Yeah I’m thinking it was supposed to be closer to the 6-7 second mark. It would just be surprising to me if Mullins went off script like that after a timeout.

 

[jorge34]

Needs to be more locked in and engaged on defense, at times he is. Been phenomenal mid range; needs to lean into that while his 3 point shot is off. IMO, the problem started in Big crap East play, the way he was ALLOWED to be guarded….or abused. With his slight build, they were very physical with him coming off and around screens….St. John’s went as far as GRABBING him around the waist to slow him down…
Very easy for shot to go off mechanically, and it did. as a result, it’s now in his head. Probably first time in his life he’s been in a shooting slump.

 

[UConnTrumbull]

I think it’s fair to expect more from a 5 star, top 25 kid after seeing the success of so many freshmen this year across the country. The offense is also designed to get him open looks. We’re getting them, just not hitting. He’s been great in the midrange but we need our deep threat to hit shots. Same with solo.

 

[Shabazzkets]

A few games ago people on here were calling taris soft. Point is, opinions don’t matter. “Fans” can criticize all they want. Most times, their opinions are self motivated and aren’t shared at all with the ones actually making the decisions. Thankfully for Braylon, what’s real vs what is said on here is dramatically different.

A few games ago Tarris was playing soft. I don’t know why it is so hard to accept criticism of our own players, as long as it stays respectful.

 

[RuffRuff]

A few games ago Tarris was playing soft. I don’t know why it is so hard to accept criticism of our own players, as long as it stays respectful.

And no better feeling as a fan to see him play to his potential. Part of his "softness" is the inconsistency.

 

[Jaydumo20]

I agree with the OP. I didnt read the other comments. He had a bad shooting night. Who cares? That's my guy

 

[CardiacAndre7]

I’m more frustrated with the fact that often when Solo, Mullins and AK’s shots aren’t falling, they don’t have much impact elsewhere. But Braylon was money from 2, just wish he would use that pump fake more often. He made some big defensive plays late as well. Just need these guys to have other impacts as well.

 

[Icehawk]

I don’t get why people in the chat were so mad when Mullins shot an open 3 with about 5 seconds left in the half, was it frustrating the way the half ended yes, those getting mad at him for taking that open 3 would’ve been ranting if he didn’t shoot it.

There was 10s left, that was the problem.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

I’m more frustrated with the fact that often when Solo, Mullins and AK’s shots aren’t falling, they don’t have much impact elsewhere. But Braylon was money from 2, just wish he would use that pump fake more often. He made some big defensive plays late as well. Just need these guys to have other impacts as well.

Mullins had six assists against one turnover and a couple huge steals that kept us in control of the game. The three point shooting is obviously a mess but I thought he had his fingerprints on the game in other ways.

I just hope he finds his shot before we run out of time with it.

 

[FlyBono]

Stay in school!
Young player with much upside, shows flashes, more inconsistent than anything but that will improve….

McNeeley perfect example of a player who should have stayed at least another year
Now he’s a G League player or riding pine..

 

[CardiacAndre7]

Mullins had six assists against one turnover and a couple huge steals that kept us in control of the game. The three point shooting is obviously a mess but I thought he had his fingerprints on the game in other ways.

I just hope he finds his shot before we run out of time with it.

Sure did, I thought he was A LOT better overall in the 2nd half, even if the shots still weren’t going down. His defense in the first half was a little rough though. His slight frame understandably makes it a little hard for him to get around screens, and that shooter was taking advantage of that.

 

[Hurleyman216]

Ironically I haven’t seen @JustbrewitMan in any of these threads, but the guy should be banned from ever entering a game chat after the absolute garbage he was posting in the game chat last night. If he’s in the chat on Sunday I will not be. Totally unacceptable crap he was spewing with personal attacks on our players (Mullins in particular)

 

[uconngb]

That stretch where Mullins hit midrange shots were huge it put us in control of the game pretty much. Criticism is one thing running on your narrative and continued piling on is another.

I don’t get why people in the chat were so mad when Mullins shot an open 3 with about 5 seconds left in the half, was it frustrating the way the half ended yes, those getting mad at him for taking that open 3 would’ve been ranting if he didn’t shoot it.

Cuz he shot it without about NINE seconds left, not 5. Worst case there, you get the last shot, even if it misses. Anyone who has played or understands basketball knows that was a horrific shot.

 

[Pmac923]

The majority of people on here don’t understand sports. For the most part it’s a bunch of spoiled and entitled trolls. Part of what makes sports great is overcoming adversity and struggles. These young athletes will go through slumps but are playing here because they can make these shots. Braylon is a phenomenal shooter and they will start to fall. As a fan of the program I can’t wait to see them start to fall. And if they don’t that’s okay too, that’s sports. But we need to support him because it’ll make the victories that much sweeter.

 

[aceboon]

I don’t even question the shot selection. Shooters shoot. Let him fire away.

I think that play at halftime was actually what Hurley drew up, just 2 seconds too early. With the way we were rebounding the ball, it seemed like a good plan, jack up a 3 and have enough time for a second chance look if it misses. I think Mullins just slightly got sped up and lost track of the time, it happens.

There's not a chance that's what Hurley drew up because Furman came out in a zone to end the half when they were playing man to man all game before that.

 

[RuffRuff]

Stay in school!
Young player with much upside, shows flashes, more inconsistent than anything but that will improve….

McNeeley perfect example of a player who should have stayed at least another year
Now he’s a G League player or riding pine..

In McNeeley's defense, not sure coming back would have gotten him a better draft spot in this draft. Charlotte is loaded with young talent, the G league is perfectly fine for him.

We had a lot of NBA draft momentum coming off 2024 having put 6 guys in - it's cooling off quick after McNeeley's drop and what feels like Mullins mirroring.