UConn men’s basketball guard Braylon Mullins to return vs Purdue

HARTFORD, Conn. — Braylon Mullins is back. After sitting out UConn’s first two exhibition games vs Syracuse and Michigan State, the Huskies’ star sophomore shooting guard will play on a minute's restriction in tomorrow’s final preseason matchup against Purdue, coach Dan Hurley said after Monday’s practice. “He had been practicing prior to Michigan State, UConn coach Dan Hurley said. “He was really, really sharp, I thought, all things considered. It’s his first time playing a game since the national championship game, and being a program like Purdue, it's a tough first game to come back for. But it'll be it'll be good in terms of just getting out there, getting one under his belt before the real ones start.” Mullins was first sidelined last month to what Hurley described as a “undisclosed injury.” Mullins took part in warmups last week against Michigan State but ultimately did not play. Point guard Silas Demary Jr. said he is looking forward to having his backcourt partner back in the lineup. UConn's new locker rooms: UConn unveils M&T Bank Center at Gampel Pavilion renovationsColben Landrew: Why UConn freshman Colben Landrew could be Huskies’ next starUConn vs Syracuse takeaways: Six takeaways from UConn’s dominant exhibition win over Syracuse“It’s another weapon,” Demary said. “We know how much firepower he has on the offense end, and we know how much of a microwave scorer he can be. He can go on runs by himself. He can hit big-time shots in big-time moments. Just to have my backcourt mate back in the backcourt with me, it’s great to see him out there and I’m expecting it to be a lot of fun.” Mullins was voted onto the preseason all-Big East first-team earlier this month. Las year, he averaged 12 points and 3.5 rebounds. After hitting one of the greatest shots in NCAA Tournament history against Duke in March, the Huskies are already seeing another level of improvement going into his sophomore season. “He’s just he's a different man,” Hurley said. “He's got a different level of maturity. His personality is a lot different. His physicality is much different. Last year at this time, he had no idea what was coming. He knows exactly what's coming in his direction, so he's prepared appropriately, and I think he likes his team.” Added Demary, “I think he’s just being even more aggressive. His usage rate is going to be up even more. ... I think him getting back acclimated these past couple days; it's been good to see him out there. I don't think he's lost a step.” This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: UConn men’s basketball guard Braylon Mullins to return vs Purdue