BROOKLYN, NY — Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. has partnered with the El Puente Beacon Leadership Center at M.S. 50 to launch Mikel’s Crew, an ongoing mentorship program with the center’s 75 middle school students.

The El Puente Beacon Leadership Center at M.S. 50 is a free program available to all students at the Williamsburg middle school.

Its comprehensive leadership offerings include academic, art and athletics based after-school and summer programming.

Through his new mentorship program, Mikel’s Crew, @MikelBrownJr1 is teaming up with Brooklyn-based El Puente to mentor students, share his journey, and give back to a community that reflects his roots. ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/PVFPHuBgei

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 13, 2026

Mikel’s Crew will tip off with a Brooklyn Basketball clinic for the students during El Puente’s annual Thanksgiving Potluck event, celebrated during Puerto Rican Heritage Month at M.S. 50 on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 5:30 p.m. The potluck brings approximately 300 community members together for food, music and connection. Brown Jr. will join Brooklyn Basketball coaches and help lead the youth present at the event through a clinic focused on basketball skills and teamwork.

Brown Jr. will continue to engage with the students at various points throughout the Nets season to foster an ongoing connection with the leadership cohort, who are primarily of Puerto Rican, Dominican and African American descent. The Nets rookie became the third player of Puerto Rican descent to be drafted in the top 10 of the NBA Draft when Brooklyn selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. 

“I’m thrilled to partner with the El Puente Beacon Leadership Center and can’t wait to make meaningful connections with the students this year,” Brown Jr. said. “I’m from a half African American, half Puerto Rican household and see myself in these kids. I know firsthand how important mentors can be in someone’s life and want to do all that I can to encourage the group to chase their dreams just like I am.”

Details on future events with Mikel’s Crew will be announced at a later date.

Information Courtesy of the Brooklyn Nets

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