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.<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
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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<\/a> that he is progressing from the injury and should be able to compete in predraft workouts.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> to register 10 or more games with at least five assists.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n 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<\/a> projected to be high selections. The group is considered one of the most talented in recent memory.<\/p>\n