Louisville freshman Mikel Brown Jr. announced Tuesday on Instagram that he intends to declare for the 2026 NBA draft following a productive year with the Cardinals.
Brown was named to the All-ACC third team, averaging 18.2 points, 4.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 34.4% from 3-point range. He dropped a career-high 45 points on Feb. 9, tying the Cardinals’ single-game scoring record (Wes Unseld).
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The 6-foot-5 guard was limited to 21 games due to a back injury that sidelined him in the middle of the season and during the postseason. He told Marc Spears of Andscape that he is progressing from the injury and should be able to compete in predraft workouts.
Brown is projected to be a lottery pick because of his ability to score at a high level and his potential as a shot creator. He was a rather inconsistent shooter at times and will likely need to make that aspect of his game a point of emphasis once he can return to the court.
The recently turned 20-year-old showcased his ability as a facilitator in spurts throughout the season, leading the team in assists in all but five games he played. He was one of 15 players in the ACC to register 10 or more games with at least five assists.
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Brown is a part of a highly touted draft class with the likes of Darius Acuff Jr., Cameron Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson projected to be high selections. The group is considered one of the most talented in recent memory.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Louisville news: Mikel Brown Jr. formalizes 2026 NBA draft plans