Pat Kelsey has his first NBA Draft selections as head coach of Louisville
Former Cardinal guards Mikel Brown Jr. and Ryan Conwell officially became the latest Louisville players to reach the NBA, hearing their names called during the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday and Wednesday. Their selections mark the 78th and 79th Louisville players to be drafted in the NBA, with Brown ending a 9-year-drought first round pick drought (Donovan Mitchell in 2017). This is the first time since 2015 that Louisville has had multiple selections in the NBA Draft.
Brown to Brooklyn: Highest Selection for a Cardinal Since 1990
Mikel Brown Jr. was selected 6th overall by the Brooklyn Nets, being the first top ten pick for the Cards since Samaki Walker in 1996, and the highest overall pick since Felton Spencer was taken 6th 36 years ago.
Brown was Kelsey’s first five-star recruit as head coach, and his impact was undeniable. Despite battling injuries during significant portions of his freshman season, Brown emerged as one of the ACC’s most electrifying players. He averaged 18.2 points and 4.7 assists per game while earning Third Team All-ACC and ACC All-Rookie Team honors. Brown played in only 21 games (starting 19) due to a nagging back injury that derailed his freshman season and prevented him from playing in the postseason.
Brown’s signature moment as a Cardinal came against NC State, where he exploded for 45 points, also knocking down 10 threes in a 118-77 blowout victory. That performance broke the ACC freshman single game scoring record, previously held by Cooper Flagg, and tied Wes Unseld’s single-game scoring record at Louisville.
His combination of size, athleticism, and shooting ability makes him one of the most coveted guards in a loaded draft class. Brown has incredible playmaking skills and can score on all three levels, with no limits to his range. Additionally, his vision allows him to consistently create opportunities for teammates, and can successfully push an up-tempo offense. He joins the Nets as the face of their franchise with the keys to the offense.
Brown leaves the Cardinals being one of the most talented freshmen to ever wear a Louisville uniform, but leaves fans with mixed feelings about his tenure due to his time on the sidelines.
Ryan Conwell Takes His Talents to South Beach
Ryan Conwell was selected 37th overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but shortly after dealt to the Miami Heat. After beginning his college career at South Florida, he spent one year at each Indiana State and Xavier before using his final year of eligibility with Louisville. In his junior season with the Musketeers, Conwell was a Third Team All-Big East selection who averaged 16.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, and 2.5 apg while having 12 20+ point performances.
The addition of Conwell last offseason was one of the biggest moves Pat Kelsey orchestrated, solidifying the Cardinals with one of the best backcourts in the league.
In his lone season with the Cardinals, the Indianapolis native averaged 18.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. He earned Second Team All-ACC honors and established himself as one of the conference’s top scorers and perimeter shooters, finishing first in the ACC in three pointers made with 112.
When injuries sidelined Brown Jr., Conwell shouldered much of the offensive responsibility and repeatedly delivered game after game. In the first ranked road win of the Pat Kelsey era, Conwell scored 24 against Miami and forced a late turnover to give the Cards the winning edge. He was the heartbeat of this Louisville team and stepped up in a big way during Brown’s absence.
Alongside Mikel Brown’s career game against NC State, Conwell had the quietest 31 point performance you’ll ever see, going 10-14 from the field and 5-6 from three. Brown and Conwell became the first duo in program history to each score 30+ points in the same game.
His scoring ability, experience and leadership helped Louisville maintain its momentum throughout the season en route to winning the Cardinals’ first NCAA Tournament game in nine years.
Conwell’s frame and build give him great ability to play through contact and get a shot off while driving. His playmaking ability for the two guard is excellent as well, and is the right amount of physical and flashy. His knockdown shooting and success at various collegiate levels have him as a very polished prospect who can make an immediate impact in Miami.
Working Back to the Louisville Standard
Louisville celebrates an NBA Draft selection for the first time since David Johnson in 2021. In the last 5 years, the program has endured change and uncertainty. Now under Pat Kelsey, the Cardinals are trending back towards its standard and once again are sending talent to the league. With Brown and Conwell hearing their names called, the Cardinals’ pipeline to the NBA is alive and continuing to grow.