Photo: NBA Summer League/X

Louisville freshman guard Mikel Brown Jr. has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, ESPN Andscape reported.

The 6-foot-5 guard is currently projected as the No. 7 overall pick by ESPN’s Jeremy Woo.

Brown averaged 18.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in 21 games before a lower back injury ended his season. He posted a 20.8 PER and missed 14 games, including the ACC and NCAA tournaments.

“Obviously, it’s just been a dream of mine to be able to be in this position,” Brown said.

“The little kid in me would freaking scream just to know that I have an opportunity to play at the highest level, which has been a dream of mine since I started picking up a basketball.”

He delivered a standout performance on February 9, scoring 45 points against NC State, tying Wes Unseld’s program record and setting an ACC freshman mark.

Still, Brown pointed to his 29-point game against Kentucky in November as his true breakout moment.

“That Kentucky game is when I felt like I just made a statement like, ‘Hey, I’m here. I’m here to stay,'” Brown said.

Health remains the main concern ahead of the draft.

Brown said his back is improving and expects to participate in predraft workouts and Summer League. Despite the injury, he is still viewed by scouts as a likely top-10 pick.

Before declaring, Brown consulted with Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell, a Louisville alum who has mentored him since high school. He will be represented by Seros Partners.

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