Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. declares for 2026 NBA draft: Latest mock projection

NBA general managers and scouts are heading home from the 2026 men's NCAA Tournament with plenty to think about after three weeks of incredible action on the court. Now they have to figure out which March Madness performances are indicators of future greatness and which are more of a mirage.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY's latest mock draft, Louisville's Mikel Brown Jr. is expected to go in the first round after declaring for the NBA draft on Tuesday. Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the guard's draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN's projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Mikel Brown Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 10 overall, Milwaukee Bucks

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

The Milwaukee Bucks need to simply draft the best player available with whatever pick they have and will likely keep Louisville floor general Mikel Brown Jr. highlighted on their big board. The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and was among the freshmen leaders in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27) this year, per CBB Analytics. Brown was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including 45 points against NC State on Feb. 9, while hitting 10 shots from beyond the arc, before an injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 9.0 here