Latest news with #Mr.Basketball
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vermont basketball gains two transfers on same day
In the span of an hour on May 17, Vermont basketball landed two transfers to join the 2025-26 Catamount program. Ben Johnson, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound guard from Bellarmine, and Chris Kuzemka, a 6-foot, 180-pound guard from Loyola, committed to Vermont over the weekend. GoEmpire Group, a sports agency based out of Chicago, announced Johnson's commitment on X, formerly known as Twitter. Kuzemka, who will be a walk-on, shared news on his social media pages. Advertisement Vermont previously picked up forwards Gus Yalden, Ben Michels and Trey Woodyard via the transfer portal and brought back Jackson Skipper, who spent last season at Oral Roberts following two years in Burlington. Head coach John Becker and his Vermont staff are searching for two more scholarship spots to round out the 2025-26 roster. Chris Kuzemka: Beat cancer diagnosis this spring Kuzemka left the Loyola program in January to have surgery and receive treatment for a cancerous mass found on his body. On April 18, Kuzemka posted on his Instagram page that he was "cancer free" following five months of "scans, surgery, and four rounds of chemotherapy." Doing his time at Loyola, Kuzemka played in 60 games (started four) over three-plus seasons, averaging 5.5 points per game and making 67 out of 172 3-point attempts (39%). Advertisement Prior to Loyola, Kuzemka was the Virginia Class 6A player of the year as a senior in 2020-21 when he averaged 22.7 points, 4.6 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game, helping Centreville High School to district, region and state titles. Ben Johnson: Averaged 12.2 points a game at Bellarmine Bellarmine Knights guard Ben Johnson (33) looks to pass the ball by Utah Utes guard Cole Bajema (2) during the second half at Jon M. Huntsman Center on Dec. 20, 2023. A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Johnson averaged 12.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 37.3% from 3-point range in 77 games (42 starts) for Bellarmine. Johnson reached double figures in 10 games this past winter, with a season-high 29 points on 10 of 21 shooting with six 3s in a 100-68 loss to Louisville, before an injury limited his availability to just 18 total games. Advertisement In 2022-23, Johnson landed on the Atlantic Sun Conference all-rookie team and his 38.1% shooting on 3s as a sophomore the following season ranked fourth in his conference. In high school at Lexington Catholic, Johnson was a two-time captain and four-year starter who was named Kentucky's Mr. Basketball in 2021 when he averaged 27 points per game. Contact Alex Abrami at aabrami@ Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @aabrami5. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont basketball: Ben Johnson, Chris Kuzemka commit to Catamounts
Indianapolis Star
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Greenfield-Central needs to replace more than Braylon Mullins. New coach knows 'it's a total rebuild'
Miles Wayer knows the task of rebuilding the Greenfield-Central basketball program after the graduation of the best player in school history might seem daunting. But on the other hand, the opportunity to coach at a Class 4A program is enticing. The 27-year-old Wayer, an assistant the past three seasons at Fishers, was officially approved as the new Greenfield-Central coach at Monday night's school board meeting. 'I know it's a total rebuild after losing (Mr. Basketball) Braylon Mullins and the rest of the senior class,' Wayer said. 'I know that. But I'm hoping kids in the community saw the success a kid like Braylon and that group had and it helps spark some interest with the youth and we can work to build a good youth feeder program and really hone in on skill development.' Wayer, who played at Mt. Vernon in high school and the University of Indianapolis in college, will not have much in the way of returning players. Mullins, who will leave for UConn early next month, averaged 32.9 points as a senior on his way to scoring a school record 2,158 points and earning McDonald's All American honors, along with Mr. Basketball. Also gone from that 23-4 team are starters Mikey Johnson, Boston Willard and Dallas Freeman. Overall, 91.4% of the scoring is gone going into next season. Former coach Luke Meredith resigned in April after six seasons but will continue to have a role as the strength coach at Greenfield-Central. 'He's said nothing but great things,' Wayer said of Meredith. 'It's a great community. Some people might see that as not a good thing to have the former coach still there, but me as a first-year head coach, it will be good to have a helpful hand I can go to and ask, 'How did you handle this situation?' He wants nothing but the best for this program and community.' Wayer has played a key role in skill development for Fishers the past three seasons for teams that won a 4A state title two years ago and were runner-up last season. He said it was difficult to leave a program that should again be among the best in the state next season. 'It was a great situation there with Garrett (Winegar) and we probably would have had a chance of making another state run,' he said. 'But you can't pass up opportunities like this because you never know when they are going to come around. Garrett has been a great mentor to me. I believe he could coach at any level. I hope nothing but the best for Fishers. These last three years have been the best experience and that's what made leaving so hard.' Wayer mentioned his high school coaches — Steve Lynch for his first year of high school, then Travis Daugherty for his last three years at Mt. Vernon — along with former UIndy coach Stan Gouard as other important people in his coaching journey. His brother, Taylor Wayer, coached at Bishop Chatard from 2019-21 and the brothers both do skill development training. 'I feel ready for this experience,' Wayer said. 'I've been lucky enough to be around coach Winegar, coach Lynch, coach Daugherty. I'm really thankful. Taylor played a huge role, too, when he was training me as a player. All of those coaches I've been blessed to be around.' Inexperienced or not, Wayer said he expects his teams to compete. 'I think from the jump it will be important for me to set the tone,' he said. 'Every single opportunity you get to be on the floor, it's important to bring that energy and bring toughness. I think another thing is that togetherness and family environment. My last year of college basketball was the COVID year, and we never got that last game ever. You don't know what can happen, so you want to make sure every moment matters.'
Indianapolis Star
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Star-filled roster for Team Indiana at Saturday's Prep Ball Stars Midwest Challenge
Seven Indiana All-Stars, including Mr. Basketball Braylon Mullins of Greenfield-Central, will headline the 7th annual Prep Ball Stars Midwest Challenge on Saturday at Farmers Bank Fieldhouse in Lebanon. If that was not enough talent, Team Indiana will also have top-100 players Jalen Haralson (Notre Dame) and Trent Sisley (Indiana) on the roster. 'I'm excited for this event as I have been for any of the seven,' said event founder and organizer Tony Leach. 'This will be the first time Trent Sisley, Jalen Haralson and Braylon Mullins (UConn) will play together. On paper, it's a 'dream team' for Team Indiana.' The event, which features senior all-star teams from Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana, will be played at the 1,500-seat main court at Farmers Bank Fieldhouse. Team Michigan will play Team Illinois at 11 a.m., followed by Team Indiana vs. Team Wisconsin at 12:30 p.m. There will be a senior girls showcase game at 2 p.m. as Indiana will play Illinois, followed by the boys consolation at 3:30 p.m., and the championship at 5 p.m. All four Mr. Basketball finalists – Mullins, Jeffersonville's Tre Singleton (Northwestern), Lawrence North's Azavier Robinson (Butler) and Crispus Attucks' Dezmon Briscoe (Kent State) – will participate. Other Indiana All-Stars are Cathedral's Brady Koehler (Notre Dame), Fishers' Justin Kirby (Miami of Ohio) and Ben Davis' Mark Zachery IV (Notre Dame football). Other players on the roster are Jett Turner of Tindley (Alabama A&M), Zionsville's Maguire Mitchell (IU Indy), South Bend St. Joseph's Chase Konieczny (Florida Gulf Coast), Anderson's Damien King (Tennessee-Martin) and Crispus Attucks' Chris Hurt (IU-South Bend). Haralson, who played his final two high school seasons at La Lumiere, and Sisley, who attended Montverde Academy (Fla.) as a senior, are the two prep school players on the 14-member roster. General admission tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. Team Wisconsin's roster includes Iowa State recruit Jamarion Batemon, Alabama recruit Amari Allen and Canisius recruit Javonte Edwards. 'You aren't going to Iowa State or Alabama if you can't play,' Leach said. 'Team Wisconsin is coming with a good group.' Headliners for Team Michigan are Markus Blackwell (Eastern Illinois), Leroy Blyden (Toledo) and Keshawn Fisher (Detroit). Parker Lepla is a 6-8 UIndy commit. Team Illinois' roster has E.J. Mosley (Purdue Fort Wayne), E.J. Horton (North Texas) and Ross Robertson (Northern Michigan). The Indiana girls' roster will be headlined by Lawrence Central standout Jaylah Lampley (Mississippi State), along with Pendleton Heights' Kaycie Warfel (Taylor), Lawrence North's Kya Hurt (Illinois State) and Jamaya Thomas (Northern Kentucky), Warsaw's Brooke Winchester (Ball State), South Knox's Ella Bobe (Southern Indiana), Greensburg's Leah West (Belmont) and Columbia City's Addison Baxter (Butler). The Team Illinois girls will have Nora Ezike (Stanford), Diann Jackson (Buffalo) and Cyra Conwell (Northern Illinois) among its top players.
Chicago Tribune
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
2025 Mr. and Ms. Basketball of Illinois: Jaxson Davis and Destiny Jackson forge their place in history
Warren's Jaxson Davis and Young's Destiny Jackson are not just the best high school basketball players in the state. They are history makers. Davis and Jackson are the 2025 Mr. and Ms. Basketball of Illinois winners, as voted by coaches and media statewide. Davis, a 6-foot-1 guard, is the first sophomore to win Mr. Basketball in the award's 45-year history. Jackson, a 5-6 senior guard who has signed with Illinois, is the first player from the powerhouse Young program to win Ms. Basketball. The historic nature of their accomplishments is not lost on either player. 'It feels amazing just to know that nobody had ever done this,' Davis said. 'There are so many big names who have won this award, so just knowing that I'm in good company of people who won it and knowing I'm the first one to do it as a sophomore is really exciting. 'It makes me feel like I have a bright future ahead. But I just know I have to stay in the gym.' Jackson said she looks up to several past Young stars and knows how tough it is to become the first person to do anything in a program with so much history of success — the Dolphins have won three state championships and 10 state trophies. She mentioned Linnae Harper and E.C. Hill 'and so many more.' 'There's so much talent that came before me,' Jackson said. 'There are so, so many greats. Being the first one to win this award, it's just really nice knowing that my name is going to be in those conversations as one of the best to play at Whitney Young. 'My biggest thing was leaving some type of legacy at my high school.' The prestigious awards, given to the top boys and girls players in the state, are presented by the Chicago Tribune in conjunction with the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. Mr. Basketball has been handed out since 1981 and Ms. Basketball since 1986. Davis, who averaged 19.5 points, 4 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 2.8 steals while leading Warren (27-11) to a runner-up finish in Class 4A, ran away from the field in Mr. Basketball voting as his tremendous postseason undoubtedly left a strong impression. He received 41 first-place votes and was named on 87 of 150 ballots, finishing with 315 points to easily outdistance another sophomore, Bolingbrook's Davion Thompson, who took second with 140 points. Docker Tedeschi of Benton was the top senior vote-getter, placing third. Davis, who scored 27 points in a state semifinal win over Rich Township and 17 in a heartbreaking 55-54 loss to Benet in the championship game, certainly was proud of his playoff performances. 'I feel like in the playoffs I became way more efficient and consistent,' he said. 'My shooting was up and down all year, but when the playoffs came around, I feel like I consistently hit timely shots for us. Knowing that my team needed me to hit those shots, it clicked for me in the playoffs.' Ms. Basketball voting was much closer, with Jackson narrowly defeating Loyola senior Aubrey Galvan 230-219. Jackson received 28 first-place votes and was named on 68 of 129 ballots, while Galvan received 29 first-place votes but was named on five fewer ballots. Kenwood senior Ariella Henigan was third. Players received five points for a first-place vote, three for a second and one for a third. Jackson averaged 21.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.8 steals while leading the Dolphins (25-9) to their fourth straight city championship and a spot in the Class 4A Sweet 16. 'This year I was able to step into more of a leadership role, knowing my teammates were looking up to me,' Jackson said. 'Then it was just being consistent. Those were my two big things this year.' Jackson is preparing to start her college career at Illinois and will continue to chase big dreams. 'I can't wait to get down there and bring great things to Champaign and great things back to my home state,' she said. 'I want to go to Illinois, have a great career, win Big Ten championships, build up toward getting a national championship and then playing professionally in the WNBA would be the ultimate goal. 'I just have to be consistent, stay in the gym, knowing I have a goal that I'm very passionate about.' Davis, meanwhile, has two years of high school basketball ahead. Simeon's Jabari Parker in 2012-13 and Belleville West's EJ Liddell in 2018-19 are the only other non-seniors to have won the award and the only players to win Mr. Basketball twice. Beyond the opportunity to join that exclusive group, Davis will be fueled by the pain of narrowly missing the ultimate prize. With his team down by one point in the final seconds of the 4A championship game, Davis lost his footing and had to call timeout from the floor. Warren had one last chance, inbounding the ball with three-tenths of a second left, but the pass was knocked away. 'I'm probably going to be thinking about those plays forever,' Davis said. 'But I know I'm going to have my brothers from this team forever, and we can always think about what we accomplished and know we're going down as one of the best teams in Warren history. 'But you don't ever want to have that feeling in sports, so it's going to motivate me to keep going.' Davis and Jackson will be honored at an IBCA luncheon Saturday at Illinois State University in Normal. 2025 Mr. Basketball of Illinois voting 150 ballots cast, first-place votes in parentheses; 5-3-1 vote total Top 10 1. Jaxson Davis, Warren, 315 points (41) 2. Davion Thompson, Bolingbrook, 140 (15) 3. Docker Tedeschi, Benton, 133 (20) 4. Ian Miletic, Rolling Meadows, 106 (9) 5. Devin Cleveland, Kenwood, 96 (10) 6. Phoenix Gill, St. Ignatius, 82 (8) 7. Bradley Longcor III, Quincy, 70 (9) 8. Marcos Gonzales, Brother Rice, 69 (5) 9. Dietrich Richardson, Manual, 59 (5) 10 Tyreek Coleman, Waubonsie Valley, 51 (5) Others receiving multiple votes: Matthew Zobrist, Metamora, 41 points (3); Leshawn Stowers, Peoria, 36 (5); Blake Fagbemi, Benet, 18 (2); Al Brooks Jr., Rich, 10 (1); Ross Robertson, South Beloit, 9 (1); Vince Buzelis, Hinsdale Central, 8 (1); Makai Kvamme, DePaul Prep, 8 (1); Daniel Pauliukonis, Benet, 5; Jayden Tyler, Homewood-Flossmoor, 4. Receiving one vote: Aleks Alston, Kenwood, 5 points (1); Grant Best, Mount Carmel, 5 (1); Marquis Clark, Young, 5 (1); Dierre Hill Jr, Belleville Althoff, 5 (1); Christopher Kirkpatrick, New Trier, 5 (1); Konnor Reynolds, Nokomis, 5 (1); Alex Stell, Waterloo, 5 (1); Jayden Taylor, Fenger, 5 (1); Kobe Walker, Normal Community, 5 (1); Christian Cummings, Rockford Christian, 3; Sam Donald, Columbia, 3; Bryden Gryzmala, Althoff Catholic, 3; EJ Mosley, St. Laurence, 3; Carson Peters, Pana, 3; Cameron Thomas, Mount Carmel, 3; KeShaun Thomas, Quincy, 3; Cole Tripp, Goreville, 3; JC Anderson, Mount Zion, 1; Dontae Bell, Leo, 1; AJ Chambers, DePaul Prep, 1; Amir Danforth, Rockford Auburn, 1; Cooper Hoffman, Pecatonica, 1; Tyjuan Hunter, Hope, 1; Cooper Knowles, West Hancock, 1; Isaiah Lintker, New Athens, 1; Brendan Loftus, Loyola, 1; Will Nohren, Shelbyville, 1; Maddox Ritzel, Nashville, 1; Lincoln Williams, Kankakee, 1; Zach Winkeler, Belleville Althoff, 1. 2025 Ms. Basketball of Illinois voting 129 ballots cast, first-place votes in parentheses; 5-3-1 point total Top 10 1. Destiny Jackson, Young, 230 (28) 2. Aubrey Galvan, Loyola, 219 (29) 3. Ariella Henigan, Kenwood, 107 (17) 4. Ella Todd, Fremd, 93 (7) 5. Nikki Kerstein, Montini, 89 (7) 6. Nora Ezike, Lyons, 74 (6) 7. Reganne Reardon, St. Ignatius, 64 (6) 8. Paityn London, Freeport, 58 (8) 9. Danyella Mporokoso, Waubonsie Valley, 39 (2) 10. Kiyoko Proctor, Alton, 19 (1) Others receiving multiple votes: Summer Brinkmann, Nashville, 10 points (2); Gracie Furlong, Galena, 10 (2); Avery Tibbs, Washington, Ill., 9 (1); Samantha Brinkmann, Nashville, 8 (1); Emma Pierson, Belvidere, 8 (1); Elaina Rager, Pecatonica, 7 (1); Lauren Miller, Camp Point Central, 5; Gina Davorija, Glenbrook South, 4; Reese Ramsey, Pittsfield, 4; Coco Urlacher, Fremd, 4; Emma Behrmann, Nashville, 2; Stella Sakala, Nazareth, 2. Receiving one vote: Laney Cahoon, Orangeville, 5 points (1); Dalia Dejesus, Deer Creek-Mackinaw, 5 (1); Grace Lizak, Willows, 5 (1); Addison Lucht, Cissna Park, 5 (1); Nyanna Payton, Manual, 5 (1); Kamaree Pollard, Mount Vernon, 5 (1); Jarius Powers, Alton, 5 (1); Sam Schmuke, Columbia, 5 (1); Kazaria Smith, Romeoville, 5 (1); Sage Stratton, Quincy Notre Dame, 5 (1); Lexi Baer, Peoria Notre Dame, 3; Lauren Flowers, Carrollton, 3; Talesha Gilmore, Collinsville, 3; Breyasia Grayson, Manual, 3; Lauryn Hamrick, Cissna Park, 3; Alexa Jamison, Salt Fork, 3; Arianna Labeau Belvidere, 3; Peyton Biekert, Cahokia, 1; Danielle Brooks, Kenwood, 1; Diann Jackson, Kenwood, 1; Alli Linke, Prospect, 1; Julia Mingus, Peoria Notre Dame, 1; Lily Sizemore, Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley, 1; London Sommerville, Richwoods, 1; Caroline Smith, Lincoln-Way West, 1. Mr. Basketball of Illinois winners 2025: Jaxson Davis, Warren 2024: Morez Johnson Jr., Thornton 2023: Brock Harding, Moline 2022: Braden Huff, Glenbard West 2021: No award (COVID-19) 2020: Adam Miller, Morgan Park 2019: EJ Liddell, Belleville West 2018: EJ Liddell, Belleville West 2017: Mark Smith, Edwardsville 2016: Charlie Moore, Morgan Park 2015: Jalen Brunson, Stevenson 2014: Jahlil Okafor, Young 2013: Jabari Parker, Simeon 2012: Jabari Parker, Simeon 2011 (tie): Ryan Boatright, East Aurora, and Chasson Randle, Rock Island 2010: Jereme Richmond, Waukegan 2009: Brandon Paul, Warren 2008: Kevin Dillard, Homewood-Flossmoor 2007: Derrick Rose, Simeon 2006: Jon Scheyer, Glenbrook North 2005: Julian Wright, Homewood-Flossmoor 2004: Shaun Livingston, Peoria 2003: Shannon Brown, Proviso East 2002: Dee Brown, Proviso East 2001: Eddy Curry, Thornwood 2000: Darius Miles, East St. Louis 1999: Brian Cook, Lincoln 1998: Frank Williams, Peoria Manual 1997: Sergio McClain, Peoria Manual 1996: Ronnie Fields, Farragut 1995: Kevin Garnett, Farragut 1994: Jerry Gee, St. Martin de Porres 1993: Rashard Griffith, King 1992: Chris Collins, Glenbrook North 1991: Howard Nathan, Peoria Manual 1990: Jamie Brandon, King 1989: Deon Thomas, Simeon 1988: Eric Anderson, St. Francis de Sales 1987: Marcus Liberty, King 1986: Nick Anderson, Simeon 1985: Ed Horton, Springfield Lanphier 1984: Brian Sloan, McLeansboro 1983: Marty Simmons, Lawrenceville 1982: Bruce Douglas, Quincy 1981: Walter Downing, Providence Ms. Basketball of Illinois winners 2025: Destiny Jackson, Young 2024: Kloe Froebe, Lincoln 2023: Lenee Beaumont, Benet 2022: Sophie Swanson, Barrington 2021: No award (COVID-19) 2020: Angela Dugalic, Maine West 2019: Brea Beal, Rock Island 2018: Brea Beal, Rock Island 2017: Brea Beal, Rock Island 2016: Kathleen Doyle, Benet 2015: Haley Gorecki, Fremd 2014: Tyra Buss, Mount Carmel (Ill.) 2013: Tyra Buss, Mount Carmel (Ill.) 2012: Morgan Tuck, Bolingbrook 2011: Ariel Massengale, Bolingbrook 2010: Tricia Liston, Fenwick 2009: Morgan Tuck, Bolingbrook 2008: Sarah Boothe, Warren 2007: Brittany Johnson, Olney East Richland 2006: Theresa Lisch, Belleville Althoff 2005: Lindsay Schrader, Bartlett 2004: Candace Parker, Naperville Central 2003: Candace Parker, Naperville Central 2002: Candace Parker, Naperville Central 2001: Cappie Pondexter, Marshall 2000: Cappie Pondexter, Marshall 1999: Molly McDowell, Nokomis 1998: Allison Curtin, Taylorville 1997: Courtney Smith, Carlyle 1996: Tauja Catchings, Stevenson 1995: Tamika Catchings, Stevenson 1994: Michelle Hasheider, Okawville 1993: Kim Williams, Marshall 1992: Tammy Van Oppen, Bartonville Limestone 1991: Megan Lucid, Mother McAuley 1990: Courtney Porter, Hume Shiloh 1989: LaTonia Foster, Marshall 1988: Nancy Kennelly, Maine West 1987: Cindy Kaufman, Seneca 1986: Doris Carie, Teutopolis
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Braylon Mullins named Indiana Mr. Basketball
Before star incoming freshman Braylon Mullins heads to UConn this summer, the 6-foot-6 guard is leaving Indiana with arguably the state's most impressive achievement - Mr. Basketball. Mullins earned the award in a landslide after averaging 32.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season for Greenfield-Central high school. Mullins earned 182 votes to become UConn's first-ever Mr. Basketball winner in the state of Indiana, and no other player received more than 65 votes. 'It means the world,' Mullins told IndyStar. 'There are really not enough words to speak about it. I feel like I did a lot for this community and being able to show that this basketball program is something and having that No. 1 jersey framed on the wall and everything that comes with it is a blessing. It wasn't even a goal of mine when I came into high school. I didn't have that on my mind at all. But once I saw I had a chance I thought, 'Why not go for it?'' Advertisement Mullins joins a pretty impressive list of Mr. Basketball winners in the Hoosier state. Since the award's inception in 1939, 37 Mr. Basketball award winners in Indiana have gone on to be drafted in the NBA. Notable names include Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson (1956), Sean May (2002), Greg Oden (2006), Eric Gordon (2007) and Gary Harris (2012). The award caps off an impressive high school career for Mullins, who set a litany of records at Greenfield-Central to cement himself as a hometown legend. Mullins led the Cougars to a 23-4 record this season with the greatest season in school history, setting school records with 887 points this season and the single game points record with 52 in one game, all while shooting 47.6 percent from three. He finished his career at Greenfield-Central with 2,158 points — also a school record — and won Gatorade Player of the Year in Indiana this season on top of being named a McDonald's All-American. Mullins will wrap up his time in Indiana with the state's all-star game against Kentucky before heading to Storrs in June. At UConn, he will join an elite recruiting class with big man Eric Reibe and Tasmania product Jacob Furphy, supplemented by two impact transfers in Silas Demary Jr. and Malachi Smith. Even with all this talent coming in, Mullins, the No. 15 player in the country in the 247Sports composite rankings, is the crown jewel of the Huskies' recruiting class. Huskies head coach Dan Hurley will likely lean on Mullins like he did with star freshmen Stephon Castle and Liam McNeeley as UConn tries for a third national title in the last four season. Mullins, who received some flak for picking the Huskies over his home state school Indiana and North Carolina, seems ready to play for Hurley and the pressure of playing for UConn. Advertisement 'I wanted to do something that challenges myself and I felt like this was the best opportunity to do that,' Mullins said to IndyStar. 'That's why I picked UConn. I wanted that challenge, and I want to prove everybody wrong. I know it's going to be tough. I'm going to be 13, 14 hours from home. But I knew that when I picked UConn. I'm excited for it now that it's almost here. They are going to push me to be my best and I'm willing to work for that.' More from
