Team USA secured the 2025 FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup gold medal Sunday night after their 109-76 win over Germany. Louisville basketball's 5-star phenom Mikel Brown Jr. has now earned his second gold medal before even playing one collegiate game.
Brown was a crucial piece for Team USA throughout the tournament, as his dominant performances earned him a spot on the FIBA U19 All-Tournament Team. However, while that achievement is well-deserved and a big praise, it is clear to not just Louisville fans but the whole world that Brown was blatantly robbed of the MVP.
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FIBA U19 MVP snub proves the Mikel Brown Jr disrespect is completely out of control
The Cardinals' incoming freshman put on an absolute show nearly every night as he averaged 14.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game while shooting 46.7 percent from the floor and 47.6 percent from beyond the arc. Brown led Team USA in points, assists, and efficiency per game, and made the most total 3-pointers, yet somehow didn't win MVP.
BYU's incoming 5-star AJ Dybantsa secured the MVP of the FIBA U19 tournament, and while Dybantsa had an impressive tournament, averaging 14.8 points, 2.3 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game, it is clear Brown deserved the MVP over the BYU commit.
I’m not quite sure how Mikel Brown Jr. didn’t win MVP.
— Terrence Oglesby (@T_Oglesby22) July 6, 2025
Brown Jr: 15.3pts/6.5asts/2.2reb
48.1% 2FG - 51.4% 3FG - 80% FT
Dybantsa: 14.8pts/2.3ast/3.8reb
73% 2FG - 13.3% 3FG - 84.8% FT https://t.co/mS7nOX6kn5
Fans and experts reacted all over social media expressing that the Louisville commit was the clear MVP of the tournament, and while it is hard for the Cardinals fans to accept him being disrespected, at the end of the day Brown won a gold medal and will now return to Louisville and will be hungrier than ever.
Brown secured 10 points or more in six of his seven games, including three 20-point performances. He went on to prove his elite playmaking ability and court vision, securing six assists or more in five of the seven games.
Brown had massive performances while in Switzerland, putting up back-to-back 24-point games, splashing 3-pointers from well beyond the arc, and displaying his elite athleticism. The 5-star guard is going to be one of the best players in the nation next season, and Louisville fans can't wait for the season to start.
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