Donny Marshall, a former UConn forward and current NBC Sports broadcaster, possesses a keen eye for identifying exceptional talent in guards hailing from the University of Connecticut. Having played under the legendary coach Jim Calhoun and shared the court with Ray Allen, a five-time NBA All-Star and the fifth pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, Marshall has a unique perspective. Observing UConn’s recent matchup against Butler, Marshall noted a striking resemblance between the reigning Indiana Mr. Basketball, Braylon Mullins, and his former teammate, Ray Allen.
Mullins, a 6-foot-6 guard and a former Greenfield-Central star, made his second career start against the Bulldogs. He had been sidelined for the first six games of the regular season due to an injury. However, Mullins is rapidly demonstrating why he is considered a projected lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, showcasing his burgeoning potential on the court.
In the game against Butler, Mullins showcased his polished jump shot, converting two of his five attempts from beyond the arc. He concluded the contest with a stat line of 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal. Butler’s head coach, Thad Matta, lauded Mullins’ offensive prowess, stating, “He’s a scorer. He’s got a scorer’s mentality. He gets his shot off quick. They move him around and create some angles for him. Obviously, he’s a heck of a player.”
Braylon Mullins: A Rising Star in the 2026 NBA Draft Landscape
Mullins’ most significant contributions against Butler came in the first half, where he tallied eight of his twelve points. As the highest-ranked player in UConn’s 2025 recruiting class and a former five-star recruit, his performance was highly anticipated.
While Butler’s top recruit, Azavier “Stink” Robinson, is not viewed as the same caliber NBA prospect as Mullins, he also held his own after an initially shaky start to the game. Robinson has been unexpectedly thrust into the starting lineup due to an ankle injury sidelining starter Jalen Jackson for the remainder of the season.
In the first half, Robinson appeared somewhat out of sync, failing to score and recording two assists against one turnover. However, in the second half, Coach Matta adjusted his role, moving him off the ball. This allowed Robinson to focus on catch-and-shoot opportunities and drives to the basket without the added pressure of orchestrating the offense.
The former Lawrence North star responded emphatically to this adjustment. He delivered one of the most impressive halves of his young career, scoring 10 points on 3-of-6 shooting from the field. This included a 2-of-5 performance from three-point range, complemented by two rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one turnover.
Navigating the Challenges of Big East Play
Facing a seasoned and formidable team like UConn presents a significant challenge for any player, especially freshmen. UConn’s guards are known for their tenacious on-ball defense, making it difficult for opponents to establish their offensive rhythm.
For Robinson, this experience is a crucial part of his development. Just last year, he was still competing in high school, often being the most athletic player on the court. Now, playing against a UConn team with aspirations of a national championship, he is being pushed to adapt and grow. He demonstrated this resilience in the second half against the Huskies.
“He’s coming along,” Matta commented on Robinson’s progress. “That’s the first Big East road game of his career against maybe the best team in the country. It tells you how tough he is. He’s resilient. He keeps going.” This baptism by fire in a high-stakes environment is indicative of the growth expected from young players in elite college basketball programs. The performances of both Mullins and Robinson underscore the bright future of talent emerging from Indiana.
