Daytona, FL.Louisville basketball commit Mikel Brown Jr. has been named one of the top eight freshmen to watch for the upcoming 2025–26 college basketball season, according to CBS Sports.
Brown, a 5-star point guard and former standout at DME Academy, was ranked No. 5 on the national list. He joins a group of elite recruits that includes Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Darius Acuff Jr.
Brown is currently ranked as the No. 1 point guard in the class of 2025 by 247Sports and is already generating early buzz for the 2026 NBA Draft.
He committed to Louisville after receiving more than 25 offers from major programs, including Alabama, Kansas, Michigan, Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The Cardinals now add one of the most college-ready guards in the country to a roster with national aspirations.
During his final year at DME Academy, Brown averaged 29.6 points per game. He earned McDonald’s All-American honors, won the 3-Point Contest at the McDonald’s All-American Game, and started for Team USA at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup—averaging 10.3 points and 5.2 assists per game.
His ability to control pace, create scoring opportunities, and take over games has made him a standout at every level. CBS Sports called him “a monumental win” for Louisville and a freshman expected to play a major role right away under head coach Pat Kelsey.
Brown’s development at DME Academy helped shape the player he is today. He competed against top-tier talent, trained in a professional environment, and earned opportunities through consistent, high-level play.
His path reflects what’s possible when talent, work ethic, and the right system come together.
DME Academy has helped athletes like Mikel Brown Jr. sharpen their skills, compete nationally, and prepare for what’s next. If you’re serious about your future, it starts with the right training environment.
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This past weekend at the SIAA Crossover held at DME Academy, Mikel Brown Jr. made a powerful statement. The nation’s #3 point guard and the No. 12 ranked high school player didn’t just show up—he dominated.
In the first game, Mikel lit up the scoreboard with a stellar 39-point performance, leading his team to a decisive victory. His offensive prowess was on full display, and there was simply no answer for his relentless scoring. But he wasn’t done yet.
The very next game, facing a tough matchup against Balboa, Mikel took it up a notch. He dropped an incredible 43 points, a DME Academy single-game record, including a clutch game-tying basket that sent the contest into overtime. Though the team came up just short in the extra period, Mikel’s effort was nothing short of heroic. Back-to-back games like this have set his season off to a scorching start, with an average of 41 points per game.
What makes Mikel’s performance so special is not just the numbers—it’s the way he plays the game. His skill set, combined with his drive and determination, puts him in a league of his own. Those who’ve seen the talent that’s come through DME Academy, including standouts like Keegan and Kris Murray, know that Mikel is on a path to greatness.
The buzz around DME this season is electric. It’s rare to see a player with this level of poise, skill, and maturity at such a young age. Mikel isn’t just another top recruit; he’s something special. The way he takes over games and delivers in clutch moments is reminiscent of legends who have gone on to great things. He’s a player you don’t want to miss.
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