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Braylon Mullins Shares Heartfelt Reaction to UConn's Farewell Message for Jaylin Stewart
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- Braylon Mullins Shares Heartfelt Reaction to UConn's Farewell Message for Jaylin Stewart
Roster movement is part of the reality in modern college basketball, but that does not make the moments around it feel any less personal. For programs like UConn, where expectations stay high and roles are constantly evolving, every departure hits a little differently.
That has been especially true this offseason, as the Huskies continue re-shaping their roster following another deep tournament run.
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Players come and go, but relationships and shared moments tend to stick around. That is what made the latest development involving forward Jaylin Stewart feel a little different. After entering the transfer portal and ultimately committing to SMU, Stewart officially closed his chapter in Storrs.
The program made sure to acknowledge that chapter the right way , sending him off with a message that highlighted his role as a national champion and thanked him for his contributions.
Connecticut Huskies head coach Dan Hurley talks with forward Jaylin Stewart (3) during the second half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Lenovo Center.Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
UConn Sends Clear Message to Jaylin Stewart
UConn's message was simple but meaningful. The program publicly thanked Stewart and made sure to recognize him as part of the 2023-24 national championship team during his freshman season, something that will always tie him to the school's recent success. Even in a season where his role fluctuated, that acknowledgment matters.
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Stewart, a 6-foot-7 forward, averaged 4.2 points during the 2025-26 season while dealing with injuries and inconsistent minutes. He showed flashes early, even stepping into the starting lineup during a stretch when the team was shorthanded. But as the season progressed and the rotation tightened, his role became less defined.
With key pieces returning and new additions coming in, the path forward became less clear, leading to his decision to move on.
Braylon Mullins Responds in Real Time
Shortly after UConn's message went public, standout guard Braylon Mullins shared his own reaction on social media. Mullins reposted the program's message on his Instagram story, a subtle but telling gesture that reflected the respect within the locker room.
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Mullins is not just any teammate. The former five-star recruit and Big East All-Freshman selection played a major role in UConn's season, averaging 12.0 points per game and delivering one of the most memorable moments in recent NCAA Tournament history with his game-winning shot against Duke in the Elite Eight.
That kind of presence carries weight, and his decision to acknowledge Stewart publicly added another layer to the moment.
What This Moment Says About UConn's Culture
It is easy to focus on roster turnover and what comes next, especially with the transfer portal shaping so much of the sport. But moments like this offer a reminder of what still exists behind the scenes.
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There is a level of respect and connection that does not disappear when a player leaves. Stewart may be headed to a new program, but he leaves behind a championship, relationships, and a program that made sure to recognize his role in its success.
For UConn, that balance matters. Competing at the highest level while still maintaining that sense of culture is part of what has kept the program among the sport's elite.
And for Mullins, the reaction was simple, but it said plenty.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Basketball section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
