Mikel Brown Jr. named Naismith Player of the Week

Louisville freshman sets records in back-to-back dominant performances

Feb. 17, 2026 at 10:47am

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Mikel Brown Jr., a freshman basketball player for the Louisville Cardinals, has been named the Naismith Men's College Player of the Week as well as the ACC Player and Rookie of the Week after two historic performances. Brown set Louisville and ACC records with a 45-point game against NC State, and followed it up with a 29-point, 6-assist, 5-steal game against Baylor.

Why it matters

Brown's back-to-back standout games have cemented his status as one of the top young talents in college basketball. His ability to score at a high level while also contributing in other statistical categories has made him a key player for the Louisville Cardinals as they look to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

The details

Against NC State, Brown tied the Louisville record for most points in a game with 45, and broke the ACC record for most points in a game by a freshman. He also made 10 three-pointers, tying the school record, and became the first Division I player in over 30 years to record at least 45 points, 10 made threes, and 9 rebounds in a single game. Two days later against Baylor, Brown led Louisville with 29 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three-point range, while also contributing 6 assists, 5 steals, and 3 rebounds.

  • On February 14, 2026, Brown scored 45 points in a win over NC State.
  • On February 16, 2026, Brown scored 29 points in a win over Baylor.

The players

Mikel Brown Jr.

A freshman basketball player for the Louisville Cardinals who has emerged as one of the top young talents in college basketball.

Louisville Cardinals

The men's basketball team at the University of Louisville, a Division I program that competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

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What they’re saying

“I'm not sure if a Louisville player has ever had two better back-to-back games.”

— Mike Rutherford, Author (cardchronicle.com)

What’s next

Brown will look to continue his strong play as the Louisville Cardinals make a push for the NCAA tournament.

The takeaway

Mikel Brown Jr.'s historic performances have established him as one of the most exciting young players in college basketball, and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him a key piece for the Louisville Cardinals as they aim to make a deep postseason run.