DePaul Post Game Thread

[All4Fans]

I wish people would just be transparent and say I'm a UConn basketball fan so all I care about is my personal enjoyment so I hope Braylon Mullins comes back. I'd respect that opinion instead of twisting yourself in knots about the time Tom Lagarde came back for his senior season and was still a lottery pick in 1977

Yes. This is me. I am selfish and don't watch the NBA. very much. I still wish they should stay a min 2 years LOL

 

[Palatine]

One of these days, Tarris is going to get double-teamed and pass the ball out to a three point shooter.

 

[HW611]

He very well could if he stuck around as the difference between the upcoming draft and the one thereafter is night and day. He could legitimately go top 5 in the following. I've made this argument before. He's going to be on a partial year and has a lot of growing to do. If we threw him a sizeable NIL, could it make sense to stick around for another year, put some weight on, refine the game with a top staff.

He'd likely be rolling out there with 4 guys he already knows too - lineup could be Demary/Solo/Mullins/Stew/Reibe. That would be slam dunk number 1 team in the country.

There is a compelling reason to come back, obviously if he's guaranteed lottery this year you do have to go. One can dream.

Exactly. It’s a conversation worth having as it stands currently. Things can change depending how he plays later on in the season.

 

[Gurleyman]

To the drooling, there are some freshmen doing some ridiculous things this year. Boozer, AJD, Brown, Wilson, Peat.

Right now Mullins falls into the DP camp of hasn't been out there long enough and integrated enough to get a real feel for him.

Castle fell a few weeks behind and had to integrate into an established team of veterans. He didn’t really look like an nba player until February. And even then - Alabama didn’t even guard him in the Final Four since he was considered our fifth most dangerous player. Now he’s a budding all star.

When you fall behind like Castle did and now Mullins too, you’re adjusting to a lot of things at once - the speed of the college game, playing on a team that’s been playing without you and trying to fit seamlessly, being a cog and not the main guy, running a complex offense and getting your timing down. Any one of those things takes time. All of them at once is even harder.

Mullins also isn’t really a “here’s the ball, go make plays” sort of player like a DP or Boozer or a post player can be - which maybe makes the transition a little easier since attacking people with the ball and creating your own shot has years of muscle memory built in. Mullins can create his own mid range, but he needs to get most of his offense out of offensive sets and by making good reads against a scrambling defense. What’s clear is that when he is in a functioning offense, he can pull threes super quick without a lot of space - his footwork and his quick trigger makes him tough to guard with even a little bit of separation. Yesterday on an off day, Mullins missed his 3 mid range shots that he created for himself (really the first time he couldn’t get those to go), but was 4-6 shooting threes. Two didn’t count (he stepped on the line on one, and a foul was called on the pass another), but he showed the skill. We missed him wide open a lot too - Demary once, Smith twice, Reibe once in the first half. In the second half he had one drive and kick to AK (great read) where AK drove and Mullins relocated to the space AK vacated. He didn’t have a defender within 15 feet of him - but AK didn’t process that (he kicked it to Silas in the corner instead). But i liked that after the pass, he wasn’t watching his handiwork, he was on to the next cut and did his job. He’s getting there - and when he goes on a heater, I’m sure guys will be more cognizant of where he is.

But I think it’s clear projecting him that he can do his thing and has the ability to be a tough cover once he’s settled into a system. NBA sets are a little less complicated since they compacted into 24 seconds, so a guy who can have a quick trigger is high value. And he’s shown some flashes (but just flashes so far) of being a complete player who isn’t just a shooter - a smooth drive here, a great pass there. He has so much more to offer - a little more passing and playmaking, making better reads (ie the back to back turnover and blocked shot against Butler) getting to the line a little more (only 3 FTs all year and 2 were at the end of Kansas), not reaching in so much (or at least not hacking downward - that always invites a whistle). The hope for us is that he develops those things and finds a good groove over the second half of this season so we get the best of him - because next year he’s likely gone unless he goes into a prolonged shooting slump (which we don’t want).

 

[Iluvsuebird]

If you believe that there are 22 teams better than UConn offensively, I have a bridge in San Francisco to sell you. Just silly stuff. It's been said before by someone pages ago, but we have one loss, and it was to the current #1 team in America with an incomplete squad. You stat geeks can go nuts over Kenporn, I will trust my eyeballs, which tells me that we are formidable at 80%. We are going to be a nightmare matchup when we are truly at 100%. And by the way, Silas is looking more comfortable much, much earlier than TN did in his first year. Remember, it took TN until February to get it together. And Reibe and Mullins both will be much better in February than they are now. LOVE this team.

 

[RuffRuff]

Less concerned about one and done and more concerned about being ready.

Clingan showed plenty of potential after his freshman year. Could’ve declared if he wanted to. Came back and was a top 10 pick (would’ve went 5 if teams needed a center).

Would rather Mullins comes back to be a top 5-10 pick ready for the league than rush to be a mid-late first rounder to be able to say he was a OAD.

It's a legit argument if you ask me. The guaranteed millions would be pretty substantial. If he goes late teens, it's 10mm in guaranteed contract versus top 5 which is closer to 25mm. You of course want to start working towards your second contract as soon as you can, and to lock in the dollars, but there is risk/upside either way.

 

[thekollieman]

I had this argument with my son regarding Hawkins. I felt he should have stayed for "developmental reasons". He laughed at me and said "that is not how it works anymore old man. They draft for talent and potential."

I still believe he should have stayed, but what do I know!?

You can always argue someone like Hawkins could have made out better in the long run if he had stayed one more year, but what he got for leaving when he did (striking while the iron was hot - best shooter on a national championship team) was almost $9 million guaranteed as the 14th pick in 2023. That can never be assessed as a poor decision (I know you didn’t call it that). Mullins is projected to around the same draft spot but NBA salaries are getting fatter and fatter by the year so we’d be asking him to turn down essentially a guaranteed 8-figure payday to play a sophomore year at UConn.

 

[RuffRuff]

If you believe that there are 22 teams better than UConn offensively, I have a bridge in San Francisco to sell you. Just silly stuff. It's been said before by someone pages ago, but we have one loss, and it was to the current #1 team in America with an incomplete squad. You stat geeks can go nuts over Kenporn, I will trust my eyeballs, which tells me that we are formidable at 80%. We are going to be a nightmare matchup when we are truly at 100%. And by the way, Silas is looking more comfortable much, much earlier than TN did in his first year. Remember, it took TN until February to get it together. And Reibe and Mullins both will be much better in February than they are now. LOVE this team.

Team will be fine offensively - not worried an ounce. It's actually a really good sign they are winning with defense right now. If I had to rank teams right now based on what I think they'll be come March:

Michigan - still obliterating teams (beat Lasalle by 50 last night). You just can't minimize what they are doing because you're a Uconn homer.
Uconn
Zona & Purdue
ISU
Duke

Michigan team to beat, UConn vs UM in finals.

 

[thekollieman]

One of these days, Tarris is going to get double-teamed and pass the ball out to a three point shooter.

He assisted one of Karaban’s threes yesterday doing exactly that.

Edit: I don’t actually remember if he was double-teamed on that play, but it was a perfect pass out of the post to the opposite wing.

 

[JustbrewitMan]

If you believe that there are 22 teams better than UConn offensively, I have a bridge in San Francisco to sell you. Just silly stuff. It's been said before by someone pages ago, but we have one loss, and it was to the current #1 team in America with an incomplete squad. You stat geeks can go nuts over Kenporn, I will trust my eyeballs, which tells me that we are formidable at 80%. We are going to be a nightmare matchup when we are truly at 100%. And by the way, Silas is looking more comfortable much, much earlier than TN did in his first year. Remember, it took TN until February to get it together. And Reibe and Mullins both will be much better in February than they are now. LOVE this team.

Like I put in my post above, some people just look at the KP ranking and overreact in one direction or the other.

The difference in offensive/defensive rankings is sometimes so small and teams can be so log-jammed together in the KP 7-25 rankings range that literally 2-3 possessions of variance (making vs. missing shots, the opposing team doing the same) is enough for your team to move up/down a few spots.

Like you've said, if you are paying attention watching this team and also take into context the fact that we've had a lot of roster variance, this team is WAYYYY better than KP #23 on offense. I'm a stats nerd and it's obvious to me.

 

[HW611]

It's a legit argument if you ask me. The guaranteed millions would be pretty substantial. If he goes late teens, it's 10mm in guaranteed contract versus top 5 which is closer to 25mm. You of course want to start working towards your second contract as soon as you can, and to lock in the dollars, but there is risk/upside either way.

The money is of course a factor and important. I’m also rooting for him to be as ready as he can be when he makes the jump to make an instant impact.

You can always argue someone like Hawkins could have made out better in the long run if he had stayed one more year, but what he got for leaving when he did (striking while the iron was hot - best shooter on a national championship team) was almost $9 million guaranteed as the 14th pick in 2023. That can never be assessed as a poor decision (I know you didn’t call it that). Mullins is projected to around the same draft spot but NBA salaries are getting fatter and fatter by the year so we’d be asking him to turn down essentially a guaranteed 8-figure payday to play a sophomore year at UConn.

Think your sophomore year is the cut off for when you’re young enough for the NBA to value you still. Hawkins did everything he needed to at that point there was no reason for him to come back after being the #1 option on a national championship team.

As it stands, Mullins is looking like a 4th or 5th option and I’d like to see what he looks like after a summer of training to be a #1 option as a 6’6 SG guard. That’s a top 5, maybe top 3 talent if he can show that and be patient.

 

[thekollieman]

The money is of course a factor and important. I’m also rooting for him to be as ready as he can be when he makes the jump to make an instant impact.

Think your sophomore year is the cut off for when you’re young enough for the NBA to value you still. Hawkins did everything he needed to at that point there was no reason for him to come back after being the #1 option on a national championship team.

As it stands, Mullins is looking like a 4th or 5th option and I’d like to see what he looks like after a summer of training to be a #1 option as a 6’6 SG guard. That’s a top 5, maybe top 3 talent if he can show that and be patient.

I don’t disagree with your outlook on what could be the outcome for him after a sophomore year, I’m just saying it’s not going to happen because of what he’d have to leave on the table at the end of this year.

 

[NJHusky]

#10 v #25 is about 13M difference in contract value...but even then turning down 15M guaranteed (#25) is tough to pass up. Injury, not as much progress, etc.

If he's going top 15 he's gone, and he should be

 

[HW611]

I don’t disagree with your outlook on what could be the outcome for him after a sophomore year, I’m just saying it’s not going to happen because of what he’d have to leave on the table at the end of this year.

With how deep this draft is I am curious at how everything will play out.

He’s currently 16 on Wasserman and there’s some really good names behind him still.

Tounde is averaging almost 18 at Baylor. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the center at Michigan keep rising (he’s only 20 years old). Wonder how scouts will look at Yaxel too and if he can have a rise to the lottery like Dalton did.

Point is, I don’t think this is the draft that you can go lottery based on potential when there’s so many talented guys producing this year.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25262746-2026-nba-mock-draft

 

[AllHusky]

how do you people find this stuff? awesome

 

[Samoo]

Supposed to be a thing. I remember a game the Eagles won at Dallas back when Andy Reid was the coach. In the heat, they all drank pickle juice to keep from cramping.

I get severe leg cramps (it feels my muscle is being pulled from the bone) in the middle of the night fairly often. Pickle juice is the only thing that calms them down.

 

[AllHusky]

You can always argue someone like Hawkins could have made out better in the long run if he had stayed one more year, but what he got for leaving when he did (striking while the iron was hot - best shooter on a national championship team) was almost $9 million guaranteed as the 14th pick in 2023. That can never be assessed as a poor decision (I know you didn’t call it that). Mullins is projected to around the same draft spot but NBA salaries are getting fatter and fatter by the year so we’d be asking him to turn down essentially a guaranteed 8-figure payday to play a sophomore year at UConn.

That kind of money, even low end, is so far beyond my comprehension that any opinion I have regarding what someone "should do" should be discarded. Just enjoying the debate.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

With how deep this draft is I am curious at how everything will play out.

He’s currently 16 on Wasserman and there’s some really good names behind him still.

Tounde is averaging almost 18 at Baylor. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the center at Michigan keep rising (he’s only 20 years old). Wonder how scouts will look at Yaxel too and if he can have a rise to the lottery like Dalton did.

Point is, I don’t think this is the draft that you can go lottery based on potential when there’s so many talented guys producing this year.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25262746-2026-nba-mock-draft

Maybe…Braylon will rise too? That’s a distinct possibility.

 

[ColchVEGAS]

lol.

We have come a long way since Ron Artest and Hennessy at halftime.

 

[HW611]

Maybe…Braylon will rise too? That’s a distinct possibility.

Of course. The current facts are those guys are producing at an extremely high level as it stands today. Braylon is revving up but his production is not there yet. It’s potential right now.

He has to start producing at a HIGH level once he gets going. I did not know that other Baylor freshman was averaging close to 20 a game this class is crazy.

 

[CardiacAndre7]

Of course. The current facts are those guys are producing at an extremely high level as it stands today. Braylon is revving up but his production is not there yet. It’s potential right now.

He has to start producing at a HIGH level once he gets going. I did not know that other Baylor freshman was averaging close to 20 a game this class is crazy.

Braylon has had good games. We have more scorers and more options than a lot of these other teams. Drafting mainly on production simply isn’t a thing anymore.

 

[OviedoFLHusky]

Silas's barfing makes the Daily Mail (with video replay):

UConn star gets ill on the court after drinking pickle juice

 

[HW611]

Braylon has had good games. We have more scorers and more options than a lot of these other teams. Drafting mainly on production simply isn’t a thing anymore.

Drafting on production is a thing when the production is also 19-20 years old and extremely talented.

This class is not the class for potential. It is very deep with talented players who are producing. To the point even Ament is being mocked outside of the top 10 because of his struggles at Tennessee.

If this was last year I think Braylon could sleep walk into the lottery. This is not the year for that.

 

[navery12]

Drafting on production is a thing when the production is also 19-20 years old and extremely talented.

This class is not the class for potential. It is very deep with talented players who are producing. To the point even Ament is being mocked outside of the top 10 because of his struggles at Tennessee.

If this was last year I think Braylon could sleep walk into the lottery. This is not the year for that.

But why are we acting like Braylon is not producing as well? He's been putting up very good numbers and that's also a big factor for why people are putting him in the lottery

 

[HW611]

But why are we acting like Braylon is not producing as well? He's been putting up very good numbers and that's also a big factor for why people are putting him in the lottery

He’s not producing like the other players.

He’ll improve as the season goes on. Would like to see him continue to be more efficient, find ways to get to the line more, and get his scoring average closer to 15 with how great the rest of this class has been playing.