After Tennessee picked up a heartbreaking loss to Michigan in the Elite Eight, Duke fans got it 100 times more than Tennessee did. After leading basically the whole game, things got very weird. Every March Madness, there are moments that are unforgettable, and last night, UConn guard Braylon Mullins delivered one for the ages, knocking off Cam Boozer and the Duke Blue Devils. With 0.3 seconds left after a steal, Mullins hit a dagger three from the logo to give UConn a one-point lead.
BRAYLON MULLINS ARE YOU KIDDING 🤯🤯🤯
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 29, 2026
UCONN COMES BACK FROM 19 TO ADVANCE TO THE FINAL FOUR 🚨🚨🚨 pic.twitter.com/GLdrvxt4wW
A photo is now resurfacing on X of Rick Barnes and the Vols coaching staff visiting Mullins back in 2024 during a stop at his high school. Man, wouldn't this have been incredible to have this year? Mullins is averaging 11.9 points this yeart along with 3.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists as a freshman and has had a nice tournament for Dan Hurley. Not only is he good on offense, but he plays all 94 feet of the court.
Busy day at Greenfield-Central with college coaches coming in to see @mullins_braylon pic.twitter.com/FhqNsIiraY
— Greenfield Central Cougar Hoops (@CougarHoops2) September 4, 2024
Tennessee could have used Mullins this year
Now that this picture is resurfacing, it would have been really nice to have a player out there like Mullions this year. He would have complemented Gillepsie very well, and would have been another three-and-d player for Tennessee. Efficiency-wise, Mullins wasn't great at knocking down his threes, but he shot nearly 6.5 a game, so a cold streak will definitely happen. Something that killed Tennessee all year long was falling apart in the clutch moments, and well, Mullins proved he can deliver in that department.
You can't help but feel like this was a big miss for the staff. Yes, I know, recruiting is full of misses and what ifs, but I wouldn't be surprised if Rick Barnes is kicking himself for not having another two-way guard who can get you a bucket. The worst part is that Mullins fits Tennessee's system very well.
Now, who knows if Tennessee would've landed him had Barnes put on the full-court press, but it still hurts missing out on a star like this. The good news is that the portal will open up very soon, and the Vols have a chance to add more star power.