Mikel Brown Jr. is a talented right-handed combo guard that makes highlight plays and has a natural knack for scoring. Brown averaged 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game while shooting 34.4% from three-point range and 84.4% from the free throw line. At 6'4" with a 6'7.5" wingspan and a 190-pound frame, Brown is not especially big for a NBA two guard. Our study of playoff-team starters showed the average shooting guard at 6'9" in wingspan and 206 pounds. We call Brown a combo guard, which in our glossary means a prospect that has the vision to be a point guard, but whose decision-making is still geared more toward scoring. His 1.52-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio reflects that distinction. Brown hunts for shots. He wants to take the big ones, which is admirable, but that mindset can also lead to poor overall shot selection. Some players mature out of that. Some do not. Brown has clear NBA talent. As we view it TODAY, Brown's best pathway may come as a scoring guard rather than as the primary organizer of an offense. On defense, Brown was solid, with a virtually identcal DEFRTG as his Louisville team's DEFRTG. Brown missed an extended period of time with a back injury. Obviously, NBA teams will want to know whether there are any long-term concerns. Brown won gold medals with Team USA U19, and U18. With his scoring instincts, shot-making confidence, and ability to get to the free throw line, Brown is a talented prospect. His role definition and medical evaluation will be important parts of his draft profile.
