UConn freshman Braylon Mullins will return for his sophomore season despite being a projected first-round NBA draft pick, his father announced Saturday. The five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American ranked No. 17 on ESPN's draft big board passed on lottery money to boost his stock with another year in Storrs.

The 6-foot-6 Mullins averaged 12.0 points and shot 33.5% from beyond the arc, delivering his most memorable moment with a 35-footer to beat Duke in the NCAA tournament. He missed the first six games due to an ankle injury but showed his potential by making at least five 3-pointers in a game three times.

With Mullins returning, UConn adds a projected starter to a team aiming for its fourth Final Four in five seasons. The Huskies also bolstered their roster with Duke transfer Nikolas Khamenia, who averaged 10.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in the ACC tournament. All-Big East guard Silas Demary Jr. has already announced his return, giving UConn a strong foundation next season.