Chicago’s Rising Stars
The 2026 NBA Draft Combine is currently in full swing in Chicago, drawing the eyes of scouts, coaches and fans to the city’s basketball arena where the next generation of talent is being measured and tested.
Among the 33 guards invited, two former Louisville standouts have been generating buzz. Mikel Brown Jr. and Ryan Conwell have impressed with a blend of size, athleticism and shooting precision that places them well above the average participant.
Brown, listed at 6‑foot‑3.5 with a 6‑foot‑7.5 wingspan, earned a tie for fifth in hand width and a top‑tier ranking in the Pro Lane Drill, where his third‑best time among all attendees highlighted his quick first step. His 39.5‑inch vertical and 33.5‑inch no‑step vertical also positioned him in the top eleven for those metrics.
Conwell, measuring 6‑foot‑2 and sharing a 6‑foot‑7 wingspan, matched Brown’s hand length ranking while securing a tie for fifth in hand width. He topped the shooting off the dribble and three‑point star drill, and his 39.5‑inch vertical placed him tied for eleventh overall, while his 32.5‑inch no‑step vertical ranked eighteenth.
Both players also showed well in spot‑up and side‑mid‑side shooting, with Brown tying for seventh in spot‑up and landing fifth in the side‑mid‑side test. Their physical profiles put them in the upper half of the guard cohort, a promising sign as the combine moves into its five‑on‑five scrimmages later today.
What’s Next
The event will run through May 17, giving teams ample opportunity to evaluate the prospects before the 2026 NBA Draft, scheduled for June 23‑24, where these standout guards could hear their names called.