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Louisville's Mikel Brown Jr. declares for 2026 NBA Draft
Freshman guard was a projected lottery pick after standout season with the Cardinals.
Apr. 7, 2026 at 6:38pm
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Mikel Brown Jr.'s decision to forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2026 NBA Draft is a significant loss for Louisville and the ACC.Daytona Beach TodayLouisville freshman guard Mikel Brown Jr., a projected lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has declared for the upcoming draft. Brown, a consensus five-star recruit, averaged 18.2 points, 4.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 21 games for the Cardinals this season before missing time due to a back injury.
Why it matters
Brown's decision to forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the draft is a significant loss for Louisville, as he was expected to be a key player for the team in the coming seasons. His departure is also a blow to the ACC, which will lose one of its most talented young players.
The details
The 6-foot-5 Brown set an ACC single-game freshman record by scoring 45 points in a victory against NC State on Feb. 9, knocking down 10 3-pointers. He was named to the ACC all-rookie team and All-ACC third team despite missing 14 games with a back injury. Brown was a McDonald's All-American at DME Academy in Daytona Beach, Fla., and was the top-ranked point guard and No. 8 player overall in the Class of 2025 according to the 247 Sports composite.
- Brown declared for the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
- He averaged 18.2 points, 4.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 21 games (19 starts) for Louisville this season.
The players
Mikel Brown Jr.
A 6-foot-5 freshman guard who was a consensus five-star recruit and the top-ranked point guard in the Class of 2025 according to 247 Sports. He averaged 18.2 points, 4.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 21 games for Louisville this season before declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft.
Cooper Flagg
A Duke player who previously held the ACC single-game freshman scoring record of 42 points, which Brown eclipsed with his 45-point performance against NC State.
What they’re saying
“Since I first picked up a basketball, it's been my dream to play in the NBA. I've decided to take that leap, declare for the draft, and chase that dream. No matter where the game takes me, Louisville will always be a part of who I am.”
— Mikel Brown Jr.
What’s next
Brown is expected to be a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, which will be held on June 25-26.
The takeaway
Brown's decision to enter the NBA Draft after just one season at Louisville is a significant blow for the Cardinals, but it also highlights the increasing trend of elite college basketball players forgoing multiple years of college to pursue their professional dreams. His departure will leave a major void in Louisville's lineup next season.
