On today’s episode of Locked On UConn, we break down the latest recruiting win for Dan Hurley as Braylon Mullins commits to the Huskies, joining Darius Adams and Eric Reibe. With this trio, UConn’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in the nation. We’ll discuss the impact of Mullins’ decision, what this means for UConn’s future, and how Hurley’s recruiting strategy continues to pay off. In Segment 2, we’ll dive into the Big East’s dominance and Hurley’s strong words during Media Day, making it clear that UConn—and the Big East—deserves more respect on the national stage. We close the show by taking a deep dive into a fantastic piece by Michael Rosenberg from Sports Illustrated about UConn’s unique success rooted in Storrs’ culture. It’s not about flash; it’s about grit, hard work, and a relentless focus on basketball.

Show Notes:

• Segment 1: Braylon Mullins Commits to UConn

• Mullins, a 6’5” combo guard from Greenfield, Indiana, chose UConn over Indiana and Michigan.

• Mullins joins Darius Adams and Eric Reibe, giving UConn a top-tier recruiting class.

• Luke Murray and Dan Hurley sold all three players on the idea of building the best class in the country—and now they’ve done it.

• Discussion with Dan Meehan about the excitement of this trio and the bright future of UConn basketball.

• Segment 2: Big East is the Best Conference

• Dan Hurley’s strong words at Big East Media Day: “People that lay claim to being the best basketball conference in the country without championship trophy evidence of natties…we’ve got four in the last eight years and back-to-back.”

• The Big East’s dominance with nine national championships since 2000, leading all conferences.

• UConn’s role as the powerhouse of the Big East and how Hurley wants more respect for the conference.

• Hurley’s frustrations with last year’s NCAA seeding and the lack of national recognition for the Big East.

• Segment 3: UConn’s Success Rooted in Storrs’ Unique Culture

• Discussion on Michael Rosenberg’s Sports Illustrated article, which captures how Storrs’ small-town charm and culture of hard work have produced two dominant basketball programs.

• Key quotes from the article, including Hurley’s statement: “No one picks UConn for the wrong reasons.”

• Auriemma and Hurley’s approach to recruiting—focusing on players who value basketball and hard work over glitz and glamour.

• How Storrs, despite its sleepy setting, has become the Basketball Capital of the World.