Mikel Brown Jr. selected No. 6 in NBA Draft by Brooklyn, Louisville's highest draft pick in 36 years
WDRB • • sports
Key Points:
- Louisville basketball's Mikel Brown Jr. was selected sixth overall by the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA Draft, marking the Cardinals' highest pick since 1990 and first Top-10 selection since 1996.
- Brown, a freshman guard, averaged 18.0 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game, earning Third Team All-ACC and ACC All-Rookie honors despite a season cut short by a back injury.
- Scouts praised Brown's size, athleticism, and playmaking skills, highlighting his 6-foot-3½ height, 6-foot-7½ wingspan, and 39.5-inch vertical leap, viewing him as a high-upside guard with strong shooting potential.
- Brown's rise included a gold medal with Team USA at the FIBA U19 World Cup and being named USA Basketball's Male Athlete of the Year before joining Louisville.
- His selection ends a 30-year wait for a Louisville Top-10 NBA Draft pick and represents a significant milestone in coach Pat Kelsey's rebuilding efforts.
