CBS Sports: Burning scheme questions for every five-star freshman

[HooperScooper]

No. 12 Braylon Mullins, UConn​

Expected role: Starting guard

Burning college question: How does he hammer long closeouts?

Mullins is one of the premier shot-makers in the Class of 2025 who chose an offense that has a four-year sample size of generating a million unguarded catch-and-shoot 3-pointers.

UConn open catch-and-shoot 3-pointer frequency, per Synergy:

• 2024-25: 84th percentile
• 2023-24: 98th percentile
• 2022-23: 92nd percentile
• 2021-22: 94th percentile

This marriage is going to work, but it could be elevated by how Mullins can attack long closeouts. Opposing defenders will know the scouting report. Can Mullins make them pay consistently when they aggressively try to take away 3-pointers? Mullins can hit floaters and runners. He can finish above the rim. He's shown he can make reads as a playmaker. He's going to make open shots, but Mullins can be one of the best freshmen in the country if he's just as dangerous at punishing over-aggressive defenders.

Burning scheme questions for Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and every five-star freshman in college basketball

The star-studded 2025 recruiting class will have its fingerprints all over the upcoming college basketball season

www.cbssports.com

 

[HooperScooper]

Another article today. Freshmen that could enter the NBA Draft in the spring. The first 7 players are in "Tier 1: Definitely". Mullins is in "Tier 2: Probably". Then there's "Tier 3: Maybe" and "Tier 4: The Deep Cuts".

SG Braylon Mullins, UConn
Height/Weight: 6-6/196
Rivals150: No. 12
From Cam Spencer to Liam McNeeley, if you can make shots from three-point range, you will have the opportunity to perform well for Dan Hurley. Braylon Mullins was possibly the best movement shooter in the 2025 cycle. How quickly he gets acclimated to the speed and physicality of the game could be interesting to monitor. And so will his ability to make plays outside of just pulling gravity along the perimeter. His superpower is his shooting, so showing he can consistently do that leading up to the NBA Draft will be his biggest thing. He has sneaky pop in his game, and he plays with a competitive fire.

The loaded 2025 class has arrived: 25 freshmen who could hear their names called in the 2026 NBA Draft

Rivals' Jamie Shaw looks across the college basketball landscape to discuss potential one-and-done players for the 2026 NBA Draft.

www.on3.com

The RuffRuff Alternate Access™:

The loaded 2025 class has arrived: 25 freshmen who could hear their names called in the 2026 NBA Draft​

 

[MexicoHusky]

Yawn.... preaching to deaf ears on this board. This is a "high hedge" and "actual height" board only.

 

[superjohn]

The whole "sneaky pop" "sneaky athleticism" "sneaky bounce" thing is so played out. It's said anytime anyone talks about Mullins. There's nothing sneaky about it.

 

[Mr. French]

The whole "sneaky pop" "sneaky athleticism" "sneaky bounce" thing is so played out. It's said anytime anyone talks about Mullins. There's nothing sneaky about it.

I think it’s considered sneaky because most people talk about him as only a sniper.

I agree overall though, he’s been a good athlete.

 

[RuffRuff]

Just when I think this board has gone all to hell, HS swoops in and keeps it on the rails with alternate access.

An interesting mention:

No. 15 Nik Khamenia, Duke​

Expected role: Frontcourt rotation

Burning college question: How much Alex Karaban tape has Khamenia watched?

OK, maybe it's not the perfect comp, but Khamenia tape gives off a ton of Karaban vibes. The 6-8, 215-pound forward can pass, dribble, shoot and defend. He's smart, doesn't need the ball to be an asset and his teams tend to just win ballgames.

That's no coincidence.

The size, skill, and winning intangibles will help him get on the floor, even for a Duke coaching staff that has to find minutes in the front line for Cam Boozer, Pat Ngongba and Maliq Brown. I think Khamenia can comfortably shift to the 3, if Dame Sarr (more on him in a minute) isn't up to snuff on that particular night.

Khamenia's minutes may fluctuate from game to game, based on the matchup and who is healthy, but he checks off the boxes as a connect-the-dots role player who will pick up this scheme quickly. Jon Scheyer should have plenty of fun using Khamenia's shooting, passing and cutting to bend defenses. I'd be stunned if he doesn't play plenty.

They included Sarr in this list - already some talk over in Dukie-land of him not starting, he's not adjusting as hoped in early practices.

 

[HooperScooper]

Just when I think this board has gone all to hell, HS swoops in and keeps it on the rails with alternate access.

Notice the new trademark? I hope you don't mind but I trademarked the RuffRuff Alternate Access™. Maybe we can get some revenue some how for the links.

 

[RuffRuff]

Notice the new trademark? I hope you don't mind but I trademarked the RuffRuff Alternate Access™. Maybe we can get some revenue some how for the links.

I’m all for the trademark. Need a logo to get the brand going.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Just when I think this board has gone all to hell, HS swoops in and keeps it on the rails with alternate access.

An interesting mention:

No. 15 Nik Khamenia, Duke​

Expected role: Frontcourt rotation

Burning college question: How much Alex Karaban tape has Khamenia watched?

OK, maybe it's not the perfect comp, but Khamenia tape gives off a ton of Karaban vibes. The 6-8, 215-pound forward can pass, dribble, shoot and defend. He's smart, doesn't need the ball to be an asset and his teams tend to just win ballgames.

That's no coincidence.

The size, skill, and winning intangibles will help him get on the floor, even for a Duke coaching staff that has to find minutes in the front line for Cam Boozer, Pat Ngongba and Maliq Brown. I think Khamenia can comfortably shift to the 3, if Dame Sarr (more on him in a minute) isn't up to snuff on that particular night.

Khamenia's minutes may fluctuate from game to game, based on the matchup and who is healthy, but he checks off the boxes as a connect-the-dots role player who will pick up this scheme quickly. Jon Scheyer should have plenty of fun using Khamenia's shooting, passing and cutting to bend defenses. I'd be stunned if he doesn't play plenty.

They included Sarr in this list - already some talk over in Dukie-land of him not starting, he's not adjusting as hoped in early practices.

I really like Khamenia, not sure he’s a shooter of Alex’s theoretical caliber, but he’s gonna be an awesome college player imo.

 

[Son of Robert]

I’m all for the trademark. Need a logo to get the brand going.
View attachment 111819

It's you man.

 

[REB1094]

Solo became a much bigger offensive threat later in the year once he learned how to get to the midrange and hit that short jumper when he got run off the line. Hawkins was good at it, Cam was phenomenal at it

If Braylon can do that on day 1 then he’s going to be REALLY good. But we have 3 shooters (Braylon/Solo/AK) that you have to run off the line. Someone is going to have an open shot

 

[Tenspro2002]

No. 12 Braylon Mullins, UConn​

Expected role: Starting guard

Burning college question: How does he hammer long closeouts?

Mullins is one of the premier shot-makers in the Class of 2025 who chose an offense that has a four-year sample size of generating a million unguarded catch-and-shoot 3-pointers.

UConn open catch-and-shoot 3-pointer frequency, per Synergy:

• 2024-25: 84th percentile
• 2023-24: 98th percentile
• 2022-23: 92nd percentile
• 2021-22: 94th percentile

This marriage is going to work, but it could be elevated by how Mullins can attack long closeouts. Opposing defenders will know the scouting report. Can Mullins make them pay consistently when they aggressively try to take away 3-pointers? Mullins can hit floaters and runners. He can finish above the rim. He's shown he can make reads as a playmaker. He's going to make open shots, but Mullins can be one of the best freshmen in the country if he's just as dangerous at punishing over-aggressive defenders.

Burning scheme questions for Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and every five-star freshman in college basketball

The star-studded 2025 recruiting class will have its fingerprints all over the upcoming college basketball season

www.cbssports.com

I find it fascinating that this efficiency in generating open 3s goes all the way back to 2022, when our offense had a reputation for being stuck in the mud before Hurley and Luke Murray revamped it. Did we just have the wrong guys taking those open looks back then?

 

[husky429]

I find it fascinating that this efficiency in generating open 3s goes all the way back to 2022, when our offense had a reputation for being stuck in the mud before Hurley and Luke Murray revamped it. Did we just have the wrong guys taking those open looks back then?

Hurley's philosophy has always been taking the three and limiting the 3 point attempts on the other end. Luke and Dan have probably been simpatico on this for a decade or more since they worked together.

I think one of the big reasons why we hired Luke was to take that coaching philosophy (generate open 3s) and take it to the next level.

 

[RuffRuff]

Solo became a much bigger offensive threat later in the year once he learned how to get to the midrange and hit that short jumper when he got run off the line. Hawkins was good at it, Cam was phenomenal at it

If Braylon can do that on day 1 then he’s going to be REALLY good. But we have 3 shooters (Braylon/Solo/AK) that you have to run off the line. Someone is going to have an open shot

Will ultimately be what gets Solo drafted - his ability to show a three level game. Hawkins recognized the close outs well, but I wouldn't say he was great at finishing.

So much to watch this year - can't recall a year where you have some many variables to watch play out.

How good is Mullins, defensively and outside shooting 3's?
What type of leap does Tarris make as the starter, with such high physical upside?
How does AK pedal back into more of a role player, with brawn?
Is Demary a natural PG, can he play the TNewt role effectively?
Does Solo shore up the D & show more offensive versatility? This feels like a very important one to me, as we can't have the same defensive liability with him on the floor as last year. He was awful on defense.

Then there's the bench - does Malachi find ways to get more playing time as a natural PG? Reibe, Stew. What is the rotation, Ross & Furphy?

It feels like a very high ceiling, low floor team because of the returning core.

 

[Samoo]

Will ultimately be what gets Solo drafted - his ability to show a three level game. Hawkins recognized the close outs well, but I wouldn't say he was great at finishing.

So much to watch this year - can't recall a year where you have some many variables to watch play out.

How good is Mullins, defensively and outside shooting 3's?
What type of leap does Tarris make as the starter, with such high physical upside?
How does AK pedal back into more of a role player, with brawn?
Is Demary a natural PG, can he play the TNewt role effectively?
Does Solo shore up the D & show more offensive versatility? This feels like a very important one to me, as we can't have the same defensive liability with him on the floor as last year. He was awful on defense.

Then there's the bench - does Malachi find ways to get more playing time as a natural PG? Reibe, Stew. What is the rotation, Ross & Furphy?

It feels like a very high ceiling, low floor team because of the returning core.

I'm going with a high floor team based on the returnees and overall depth.

 

[jibsey]

Don’t even worry for a second about this team’s offense. If Hurley concentrates on D that is the key to our season and last year’s liability in many losses we had.

 

[HW611]

Will ultimately be what gets Solo drafted - his ability to show a three level game. Hawkins recognized the close outs well, but I wouldn't say he was great at finishing.

So much to watch this year - can't recall a year where you have some many variables to watch play out.

How good is Mullins, defensively and outside shooting 3's?
What type of leap does Tarris make as the starter, with such high physical upside?
How does AK pedal back into more of a role player, with brawn?
Is Demary a natural PG, can he play the TNewt role effectively?
Does Solo shore up the D & show more offensive versatility? This feels like a very important one to me, as we can't have the same defensive liability with him on the floor as last year. He was awful on defense.

Then there's the bench - does Malachi find ways to get more playing time as a natural PG? Reibe, Stew. What is the rotation, Ross & Furphy?

It feels like a very high ceiling, low floor team because of the returning core.

I felt like last years team should’ve been happy with a sweet 16, this year’s squad should have Final Four/championship potential.

Think you’re asking all the right questions. If Ross becomes a high level contributor we can rely on for defense, transition baskets, and 3 point shooting I’m placing my bet for #7.

 

[pj]

I felt like last years team should’ve been happy with a sweet 16, this year’s squad should have Final Four/championship potential.

Think you’re asking all the right questions. If Ross becomes a high level contributor we can rely on for defense, transition baskets, and 3 point shooting I’m placing my bet for #7.

You're probably the only one relying on Ross to bring us #7. But, I agree - if someone surprises on the upside, that may put us over the top.

 

[RuffRuff]

You're probably the only one relying on Ross to bring us #7. But, I agree - if someone surprises on the upside, that may put us over the top.

It generally hits on the bigger question of where this team gets defensively after last year. The need for Ross' contribution is likely reliant on how good Mullins is defensively as a frosh and whether Solo has made improvements there. If there is a need for a lockdown guy to stunt a key guy (like Steph did), Ross probably has a bigger part to play.

 

[HW611]

It generally hits on the bigger question of where this team gets defensively after last year. The need for Ross' contribution is likely reliant on how good Mullins is defensively as a frosh and whether Solo has made improvements there. If there is a need for a lockdown guy to stunt a key guy (like Steph did), Ross probably has a bigger part to play.

That’s all it is. Currently we don’t have a defender for a Terrence Shannon type of player. Braylon, Demary, nor Solo would match up well physically with a player like that as it stands like a Castle or Jackson would. Ross and Stew would be the only players on the roster with the potential to take on those kind of matchups.

 

[navery12]

That’s all it is. Currently we don’t have a defender for a Terrence Shannon type of player. Braylon, Demary, nor Solo would match up well physically with a player like that as it stands like a Castle or Jackson would. Ross and Stew would be the only players on the roster with the potential to take on those kind of matchups.

I just think it's a pretty big ask for the worst defender on a bad defensive team last year to make the leap to a lockdown defender being put on the opponent's elite wings. It's setting him up for failure

 

[HW611]

I just think it's a pretty big ask for the worst defender on a bad defensive team last year to make the leap to a lockdown defender being put on the opponent's elite wings. It's setting him up for failure

I know you don’t think we should ask anything of Ross outside of keeping a bench seat warm.

 

[RuffRuff]

I know you don’t think we should ask anything of Ross outside of keeping a bench seat warm.

What we do know is that Hurley likes him and has talked about his defense specifically. So any possibility here is based on that, his physical upside and potential, definitely not what he's shown to date.

 

[navery12]

I know you don’t think we should ask anything of Ross outside of keeping a bench seat warm.

That's his likely role, yes. We run an 8 man rotation, and he has no distinguishing skill that will move him ahead of those 8. We can argue Ross vs Furphy all day but the reality is neither one is likely to break into the top 8