LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mikel Brown Jr., the newest commitment to the Louisville men's basketball team, displayed his skills and excitement for his future at Fern Creek High School on Friday night, scoring 25 points and offering three assists as his DME Academy squad secured a 73-63 victory against West Oaks Academy. This game was part of the Grind Session showcase, where fans adorned in Cardinal red filled the stands, showcasing their support for the five-star recruit.
Only two days after announcing his commitment to the Cardinals on social media during Louisville's win against UNC, Brown took to the court determined to impress his future fans. "It was fun, very fun," he shared after the game. "Just seeing the crowd, it’s a whole bunch of red in there. And that's why I love this fan base. That's why I love this community. So, I can't wait to step on campus next year."
Brown's performance caught the attention of spectators, affirming his role as the first major recruit for head coach Pat Kelsey. Portrayed as the second highest-ranked recruit for Louisville basketball history and ranking No. 11 on the ESPN 100 list, Brown is ready to help restore the pride of Louisville's basketball program.
Following his impressive showing, the ecstatic crowd urged Brown to cherish this moment and recognize the supportive community around him. "This fan base is just truly amazing. They take it seriously and this program seriously. That's why I'm all bought in," Brown emphasized.
The game was not merely about stats; it was about showing heart and competitive spirit. Brown acknowledged the intensity of the matchup against the Florida academies, stating, "I showed them the grit, the competitiveness, and the toughness... All of the guys competed today." Winning Player of the Game honors, his competitive edge drew comparisons with legendary Louisville players like Peyton Siva and Russ Smith, who defined the fiery attitude of the Cardinals during their championship run.
Reflecting on their notorious tenacity, Brown mentioned, "Watching them compete and win the national championship was great. They were just fiery and gritty. Their tenacity, they're just dogs." His recollection of their old-school approach adds to the narrative of his commitment to following those basketball traditions.
Brown's integration within the community only deepened when former Louisville stars like Donovan Mitchell voiced their enthusiasm about his arrival. Mitchell, a five-time NBA All-Star, welcomed Brown by sharing his support on social media with a picture of himself donning Brown's jersey. Brown described the moment as "surreal," showing how much weight past players' support carries: "It kind of surprised me how they went down the line of greats... Just watching them and them giving a shoutout to me for coming."
For Brown, these interactions painstakingly forge his connection to the city of Louisville, and he firmly recognizes the significance of this bond. "I already have love for the city, and I can tell the city loves me back," he remarked.
Brown and his DME Academy team are slated to take the court again on Saturday at 3:45 p.m. as they partake in the continuing Grind Session showcase at Fern Creek. The Cards, meanwhile, will be on the road as they face Virginia. Louisville aims to improve their ACC record to 3-1, and as the basketball season progresses, all eyes will be on Brown as he prepares to step onto campus next year.
With the bright future he embodies, Louisville fans and Brown share the same excitement of building something special together. Louisville basketball is poised for revival, and Mikel Brown Jr. is eager to lead the charge.