The past three years of being a Louisville basketball fan have been a test of faith to say the least. Donovan Mitchell has been one of the lone shining lights.
Think about it, the best season Louisville basketball team in the last several years, featuring Donovan Mitchell, had their season ended in a disappointing loss to a hot Michigan team that would play for a national title a year later. That, was the beginning of the end for Cardinal basketball as we knew it.
Negative news coverage, off the court drama, and eventual coaching changes would push this fanbase to the brink.
It was clear Louisville fans needed something to look forward to on the basketball floor.
To find that ray of hope, fans had to look to the next level. For a city that many argue to be the epicenter of college basketball, a cult following for a NBA team in Utah began to grow, and a love for its star that had started here in Louisville, began to spread nationwide.
The hero that Louisville needed came as the 13th pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets and an eventual trade with the Utah Jazz, home of another Louisville great Darrell Griffith.
Donovan Mitchell would be tabbed by many as a potential sleeper pick of the draft. The 6’3 combo guard had insane athleticism, a great feel for the game, and an all-around great personality.
For many Louisville fans, it became clear that Mitchell might make the jump to the league just after two years during a three-game stretch towards the end of January where his role featured him as the primary ball handler. Mitchell would begin to tap into his potential during this time and his name would start to rise on many draft boards.
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Seeing Mitchell have such early success at the next level no doubt has given Louisville fans something to be proud of.
He has not only represented the university on the court, but he has done tremendous things off the court.
While giving assists to his teammates in games, he also has been dishing out random acts of kindness in the Utah area or wherever he may be.
From hosting camps to dropping in on elementary classrooms, to making those who often feel overlooked, feel like they are the true star. There is no doubt that Mitchell is a man of the people, making him one of the biggest names across the entire NBA.
Through these acts, along with his production on the court, Mitchell earned ESPY’s award for 2018 Breakout Athlete of The Year. It was during his acceptance speech that he gave an inspirational message to young athletes about following their dreams.
It is these acts of kindness that make this fan base proud to call our own. It is great to see such a talented player and genuine person and say, “that’s our guy.”
As a fan, it is great to see one of our own carry the university in a positive light during a time of negativity surrounding the program.
He truly is our friendly neighborhood Spidaman.