Mikel Brown Jr. - Enter NBA Draft
Everyone is praying that Mikel Brown Jr. will return and give the Cardinals the Final Four run they hoped for this past season, but, unfortunately, deep down, everyone expects the 5-star to enter the NBA Draft. Brown is one of the top point guard prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft and is trending to be a top 10 pick in the NBA Draft.
NBA mock draft all but confirms Mikel Brown Jr. exit forcing Louisville into portal hunt
While Louisville fans are frustrated that he missed 14 games, including the ACC and NCAA Tournaments, and that he is likely to live his childhood dream by becoming a top 10 pick, it is hard to imagine him deciding to return. Of course, every basketball player's childhood dream is to play in March Madness and take their team to the Final Four, but the ultimate dream is to play in the NBA.
Brown had expectations of being a one-and-done superstar for Louisville entering the season, and while his lone season will be remembered for his injuries, the 5-star freshman will likely enter the draft in the upcoming weeks.