3. Mikel Brown Jr, G
All Kentucky fans and media have talked about over the last week is how starter Jaland Lowe has returned from injury just in time to be Kentucky’s savior this season. Lowe has talent, but he does not compare to what Mikel Brown Jr. can bring to the court. This will be Brown’s first true matchup test on a national stage, one where he can stand out and prove he deserves on the various NBA lottery draft boards. Brown has shown through the first two games that he is the full package on both sides of the ball.
Louisville will need this stardom to shine Tuesday night against the loathed rivals from down I-64. Brown will most likely be asked to play extended minutes, pending foul trouble, to run the offense and keep Jaland Lowe in check. If Brown can do these things, Louisville should dominate the backcourt battles and position itself to come away with the victory. Throwing in also that Brown could impact the game from behind the 3-point line, Louisville has many ways to beat the hated Wildcats through Brown’s game.Â