ACC Champions Embark on Thrilling Sweet Sixteen Quest!
The Louisville Cardinals are set to compete without one of their top guards and a player who's a potential top 5 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The NCAA tournament is a perfect place for future NBA players to showcase their games on the biggest stage of them all. It's a pivotal time, especially for one-and-done true freshman prospects who may not have the luxury of returning for another season. Louisville Cardinals guard Mikel Brown Jr.
is among that special group, as he's had a terrific freshman campaign and spearheaded a tournament berth for his team. Unfortunately for him and the Cardinals, Brown may not get to experience the tournament on the court, as he's out for at least the first two games with a back injury. That means that Louisville will have to advance past 11th-seeded South Florida to make it to a second game, which will either come against #3 Michigan State or #14 North Dakota State.
For Brown to potentially be able to suit up in March Madness, they'll have to win both games and advance to the Sweet Sixteen, giving the star guard roughly another week to recover. Louisville will be without star guard Mikel Brown Jr. for their first round NCAA Tournament game against South Florida, the school announced.
He will remain out the rest of the week if Louisville advances. https://t. co/3fx0UOyQ6E pic.