Kelsey lands Brown, the 1st 5-star as Louisville’s coach.

With Louisville leading North Carolina at the under-eight media timeout of the first half on New Year’s Day, the Cardinals made a surprise announcement at the KFC Yum! Center: Five-star point guard Michael Brown Jr What was the commitment to do? Louisville.

Brown then walked onto the floor and was introduced to the crowd, becoming the first five-star recruit under new head coach Pat Kelsey with the Cardinals.

Brown signed with Louisville during the early signing period in November, but the school kept him under wraps until Wednesday evening. He chose the Cardinals over a long list of schools that included Alabama, Indiana and Ole Miss.

“The deciding factors were the energy of the program, the family atmosphere and the fact that Coach Kelsey is loyal enough to bring his entire staff and walk-ons with him to Louisville, which shows his respect and loyalty,” said Michael Brown Sr. shows”. ESPN. “We are a very strong family and appreciate his commitment to bringing together those he could have easily left behind.”

Kelsey arrived in Louisville last spring, replacing Kenny Payne after two seasons. Before joining the Cardinals, Kelsey established a high-octane brand of basketball, leading both Charleston and Winthrop to multiple NCAA Tournaments.

“Coach Kelsey’s system is a perfect fit, especially considering the significant minutes available at the point guard position,” Brown Sr. said. “Michael loves challenges and sees the opportunity to be a cornerstone of Coach Kelsey’s leadership at Louisville.

Brown Jr. is a 6-foot-3 point guard from DME Academy (Florida) and the No. 11 ESPN 100. He is the No. 3 point guard in the class, behind Arkansas-bound guards Darius Acuff and Malik Thomas.

In 13 games with NC loaded on the Adidas 3SSB circuit last spring and summer, Brown averaged 24.2 points and 3.3 assists, shooting nearly 44% from 3-point range. He also started all six games for USA Basketball at the FIBA ​​U18 Americas, averaging 10.3 points, 5.2 assists and 3.3 rebounds en route to a gold medal.

Brown has an advanced skill set, highlighted by his deep shooting ability and tendency to consistently attack the basket. He is one of the best in the class at working off screens, as he can shoot behind screens, attack or read open creases and deliver the right pass. He has great instincts and skills.

Brown is Louisville’s first commitment in the Class of 2025 and just the second high school recruit since Kelsey’s arrival last spring after the ESPN 100 prospect. Khani Roths Was the lone signee in the 2024 class.