Mikel Brown Jr. is a superstar in the Atlanta-based Overtime Elite League, but Orlando is still home to the five-star point guard.
The prep star was back in the 407 this past weekend and spent last Saturday at UCF, touring the campus prior to attending the home victory against Oklahoma. UCF head coach Johnny Dawkins and his staff have been recruiting him ever since he was a high school freshman at Orlando Christian Prep.
"The visit was great," Brown Jr. told UCFSports.com. "First of all, with me being in Atlanta, it was just great to be back home in Orlando to see my family and my close friends. The UCF visit was great. We got to tour the campus, which is real nice. I got to see the educational aspect of it, plus I was able to sit down with Coach Dawkins and his staff."
Growing up in Orlando, Brown said he's always been familiar with the program. His father has trained many Orlando-based players through the years and that included Dawkins' son, former UCF player Aubrey Dawkins.
"I used to attend UCF games as a kid," Brown Jr. said. "My dad would train some of the players, probably the biggest name was Aubrey Dawkins. So we'd get tickets to watch Aubrey. I want to say I was in the fourth grade. It was always a good time."
UCF's basketball stature has taken a big step forward this season with their entry to the Big 12. The Knights have made waves nationally with early conference wins against Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Brown was a witness to the 74-63 victory over the Sooners in front of a sold-out crowd.
"It's definitely come a long way to when I first started watching UCF basketball games," Brown said. "It was a sold-out crowd and really loud in there. It was a great experience and great atmosphere to be in."
Brown knows several players on the current team, including Darius Johnson, CJ Walker, Antwann Jones and Omar Payne.
His favorite part of the visit was sitting down with Coach Dawkins.
"He really emphasized the fact that UCF would be home for me," Brown said. "It's a guard-heavy system. He lets his guards play fast and uptempo. They have a really good developmental system."
Dawkins told Brown his skill set is comparable to several NBA guards. Names that have been mentioned include Trae Young, Darius Garland, Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry.
"Coach Dawkins said he thinks I have a real good all-around game, but I know there's always room for improvement," Brown said.
What does he like most about UCF?
"I'd say the coaching staff for sure," Brown said. "Coach Johnny Dawkins played in the league and has always been at a high level. He played at Duke. He started things off for Coach K and really helped start that dynasty. He's been there. (Assistant) Coach (Kevin) Norris is a big reason too. He's going to push me as well. The coaching staff is a big reason. Also, just the environment. My family lives in Orlando so that's big."
Brown is currently considered a member of the 2025 recruiting class, though there's been significant buzz he could reclassify to 2024 which means he could be playing college basketball next season.
Brown said that decision will come later. Right now he's focused on finishing his season with the Cold Hearts and the goal of winning the Overtime Elite League championship.
As for other schools, Brown Jr. has considerable options. He visited Providence last fall. In January, he took trips to Alabama and Ole Miss. Texas and Indiana have been mentioned as possibilities. Brown Jr. said he didn't have any other visit plans at this time.
If he does reclassify to 2024, a decision would likely come later this spring.
