With only seconds left to play in the Elite Eight matchup between UConn and Duke, Braylon Mullins made a deep three-point shot that sent the Huskies to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.
For IU Indy fans, that last name may sound familiar. Braylon Mullins’ father, Josh Mullins, was a member of the men’s basketball program from 2001 through 2003, back when it was still IUPUI. With only a 30-minute commute from their neighborhood in Greenville, Indiana, to Indianapolis the hometown heroes have now both appeared in the NCAA Tournament.
Josh Mullins helped the Jaguars punch their ticket to the tournament during his senior campaign. In the Mid-Continent Conference Championship game on March 11, 2003, the Jaguars defeated Valparaiso 66-64 to advance to the First Round.
For his efforts in the conference finals, he was named to the 2003 All-Mid Continent Tournament team with fellow teammate Josh Murray winning tournament MVP that year.
In the Round of 64, No. 16 IUPUI lost 95-64 against No.1 Kentucky in the Midwest Regional. In that game, Josh Mullins recorded just eight points with two made three pointers and went 3-for-7 from the field.
Although Josh Mullins never advanced past the first round, Braylon Mullins has the opportunity to play in the Final Four. In an interview with greenfieldreporter.com, Josh said that getting to the tournament itself as a member of IUPUI was his version of the tournament semifinals.
“I played at a mid-major that probably wasn’t going to make it past the first round,” Josh said. “I told him, he’s going to have a chance to advance in the next rounds. Back in my day, my highlight was just making it there. His is the Final 4, which is crazy.”
During Josh Mullin’s two seasons with the Jaguars, he averaged 10.7 points per game and was efficient from three-point range with 41.9%.
It wasn’t until Mullins senior campaign that he cemented himself as a key piece in the teams rotation. He was also a 2002-03 All-Mid Continent second team selection. With four players averaging in double figures for the Jaguars that season, he was third on the team in points with 12.2 ppg.
Josh’s three-point shot was the highlight of the Jaguars that season. He went 77-for-171 for 45% from deep and was ranked second amongst all players in the conference.
Braylon channeled his father’s inner three-point shot to help the Huskies advance to the next round. The five-star freshman, who averages over 11 points a game will have to rely on that shot again against a tough Final Four opponent.
The Mullins last name will be on display at 6:09 p.m. April 4 as No. 2 UConn takes on No. 3 Illinois in the Final Four of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship.
Editor’s note: All historical statistical information was obtained via sports-reference.com.
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