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.
Learn more about our program or speak with an advisor today.
Daytona, Fla. DME Academy is excited to welcome Jacob Lanier to our basketball program. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Jacob joins us after transferring from Arizona Compass. Ranked No. 52 in the Class of 2026 by ESPN and No. 2 in the state of Arkansas, Jacob is already making his mark in the recruiting world, holding offers from Arkansas, California, Kansas State, Creighton, and more.
Jacob’s skills on the court have earned him a reputation as one of the top shooting guards in the nation. Known for his sharp shooting and court vision, he adds another layer of strength to DME’s talented roster Head Coach Matt Panaggio shared his excitement about Jacob’s potential, saying, “Jacob is a great all-around player and an even better person. We are very proud to have him in our program. He will bring a new dynamic to the team as a great shooter and add another strong presence in the backcourt.”
Jacob joins a talented DME roster that includes standout players like No. 11-ranked Mikel Brown Jr. and Nathan Kirk. Coach Matt Panaggio emphasized the strength of this trio, stating they will be a challenge for any opponent to match. With his junior year underway, Jacob is preparing for a strong finish to the season and a senior campaign that promises even more success.
We are excited to see all that Jacob Lanier will achieve both on and off the court. Welcome to the DME Academy family, Jacob!
Daytona, FL. DME Academy’s very own Mikel Brown Jr. has taken the next big step in his basketball career by committing to the University of Louisville. As the No. 11 player in the nation and one of the top point guards in the Class of 2025, Mikel continues to break school records, leaving a lasting legacy at DME and positioning himself among the elite in high school basketball.
Mikel’s time at DME Academy has been nothing short of historic. Averaging an impressive 29.3 points per game this season, alongside 4.1 assists and 5.3 rebounds, Mikel has proven to be a dominant force on the court. From his multiple game-winning shots to shattering his own scoring record for DME Academy, Mikel is leaving an undeniable mark at DME. His commitment to excellence and his relentless work ethic are a testament to what it means to be a DME athlete.
Mikel’s decision to commit to Louisville is a significant milestone, not just for him but for DME Academy. Under the guidance of head coach Pat Kelsey—who has previously coached NBA great point guards like Chris Paul and Jeff Teague—Mikel will be stepping into a program with a storied tradition of developing elite point guards like Peyton Siva and Donovan Mitchell.
“Mikel is a generational talent,” Coach Kelsey shared. “His skill, vision, and leadership are unparalleled. He’s the kind of player who changes the game—and he’s only just getting started.” This move cements Mikel’s place among the nation’s basketball elite and provides him with the perfect platform to further his career, with Louisville’s high-octane style of play and proven track record of success.
As a member of the USA Basketball U18 National Team, he helped secure a gold medal at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup, showcasing his skills on an international stage. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt to any challenge underscores why he is one of the most highly regarded players in the country.
“Mikel’s legacy at DME is built on hard work, determination, and an unwavering commitment to greatness,” said Dan Pannagio, Co-Founder at DME Academy. “We couldn’t be prouder to see him take this next step and continue to make his mark.”
Ready to Take Your Game to the Next Level?
Mikel Brown Jr.’s journey is a testament to the power of elite coaching, a supportive environment, and relentless drive. At DME Academy, we’re committed to helping student-athletes achieve their goals on and off the court. Are you ready to elevate your game?
Speak with a Student Advisor today and discover how DME Academy can guide you toward success. Click here to get started!
