As Louisville basketball gears up to face Georgia Tech this afternoon, the Cardinals are stepping onto the court as 22.5-point favorites. With the NCAA Tournament looming, Louisville is eyeing a potential No. 5 or No. 6 seed, making every game in this final stretch crucial.
The Cardinals are peaking at the right time, and fans are buzzing with excitement about their potential to make a deep run in the tournament. A big part of that optimism centers on the electrifying play of Mikel Brown Jr.
Brown, a true freshman, has been lighting up the scoreboard in recent games. Over his last three outings, he's averaged an impressive 34.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 3.3 steals, shooting a blistering 60% from the field and 62% from three-point range. However, turnovers have been a nagging issue, with Brown averaging 5.0 per game during this stretch.
Determined to address this, Brown has been vocal about his commitment to reducing turnovers since returning from injury. Despite his efforts, he's still averaging 4.3 turnovers per game post-injury, with a season average of 3.2.
Brown's turnover woes have been evident, with multiple games where he's recorded four or more. His recent game against SMU saw a season-high seven turnovers. Yet, as a former 5-star recruit projected as a top-10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Brown's talent is undeniable.
With pivotal matchups against North Carolina, Clemson, and Miami on the horizon, Louisville's head coach, Kelsey, will be looking for Brown to tighten up his ball-handling, aiming for around two turnovers per game.
Today's game against a struggling Georgia Tech team, which has lost eight straight and 11 of their last 12, presents Brown with a prime opportunity to shine. The Cardinals' faithful are eager to see the team in action at the KFC Yum! Center and hope for a cleaner performance from their star guard.
Expect Brown to dominate on the scoreboard once again, but more importantly, look for him to showcase improved decision-making. If he can keep his turnovers to three or fewer, it will signal a significant step forward as Louisville gears up for the challenges ahead.