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Louisville Rules Mikel Brown Jr. Out of Entire ACC Tournament to Prioritize NCAA Return

The All-ACC freshman is being held out to target full health for the NCAA Tournament.

Image
Louisville Cardinals guard Mikel Brown Jr. (0) celebrates after hitting a three-point goal against NC State at the KFC Yum! Center in downtown Louisville February 9, 2026. © Matt Stone/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Feb 17, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Mikel Brown Jr. (0) looks on during the second half against the SMU Mustangs at Moody Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Louisville announced the freshman guard will not play at any point in Charlotte, citing an ongoing lower‑back injury.
  • Head coach Pat Kelsey said the program’s goal is for Brown to be 100% for the NCAA Tournament opener.
  • After the Cardinals’ second-round win over SMU, Brown said he is focused on rehab and stopped short of guaranteeing he will play in the NCAAs.
  • Brown has missed 10 games this season, last appearing on Feb. 28 against Clemson after reportedly re‑aggravating his back following hard falls vs. North Carolina on Feb. 23.
  • Averaging 18.2 points and a team‑high 4.7 assists, the All‑ACC third‑team pick is widely projected as an NBA lottery prospect and now loses the ACC Tournament as a showcase.