Alabama basketball is in the running to sign the first five-star of its 2025 recruiting class.
Per reports from On3, the Crimson Tide and Louisville are “carrying momentum” for Florida-based point guard Mikel Brown Jr.
The 6-foot-3, 165-pound recruit’s top schools also include Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kentucky, Texas and UCF.
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He took unofficial visits to Louisville, Florida, UCF and Texas with officials at Kentucky, Indiana, Providence and Ole Miss, along with Alabama back in January. Brown was offered by coach Nate Oats and staff in May.
On3 National Basketball Reporter Joe Tipton noted that the DME Academy senior is “likely waiting till the spring” before deciding where he’ll spend his college career and that Brown’s recruitment is far from over.
A few more OVs remain on the docket for Brown, who is set to make visits to Maryland on Oct. 25 and Arizona on Nov. 21 according to 247Sports.
Tipton explained the “tentative plan” for Brown’s future includes an official visit to Louisville on Dec. 8 and eventually a trip back to Tuscaloosa for an unofficial visit. The Orlando native also fit in an OV to UCF on Nov. 2 and is reportedly eyeing a visit to Georgia Tech.
Why does Alabama basketball want Mikel Brown Jr.?
With SEC Preseason Player of the Year Mark Sears making his last lap for the Crimson Tide and Auburn transfer Aden Holloway coming up on the latter half of his college days, it’s time for Alabama to start building more depth at point guard.
Brown has been heralded for his handle on the ball since he was a youngster, only growing more touted with a growth spurt that’ll help him hang with bigger builds at the next level. Although scouts want more meat on his bones, Brown’s accuracy and precision as a passer made his frame less of a concern for scouts during the recruitment process. He’s improved as a shooter, but there’s still tweaking to be done before Brown could really contribute to Alabama’s efforts from the arc.
In the nation, Brown ranks seventh among all players, regardless of position, and is ranks No. 2 at point guard.
Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class already holds two four-stars in small forwards London Jemison and Amari Allen.
Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.
