Former Louisville basketball stars show plenty of love after Cardinals upset Kentucky

Louisville basketball just secured a massive win over its in-state rival, the Kentucky Wildcats, and the KFC Yum! Center was jam-packed with excitement. The Cardinals won 96-88, and the Louisville faithful just got the best sleep in a long time as the Battle of the Bluegrass means more than the rest of the games.

The Cardinals snapped a three-game losing streak to Kentucky, thanks to a massive performance from 5-star freshman Mikel Brown Jr., who led all players with 29 points. The Yum! Center was sold out for the first time in years and was buzzing all night long. One of the biggest supporters was courtside, and it was a familiar face.

Donovan Mitchell continues to show his love and support to his school, as he didn't just attend the game, but throughout the Cardinals' victory, fans saw him standing, high-fiving players, and screaming.

Related: 5 thrilling observations from Louisville basketball's massive win over Kentucky

Donovan Mitchell continues to show love and support for Louisville basketball

Louisville was up as much as 20 points in this game, and the KFC Yum! Center was rocking, Mitchell included. Ryan Conwell was a big reason as the Xavier transfer finished with 24 points, including four 3-pointers. Conwell had multiple clutch buckets, but his tough bucket with 90 seconds remaining, where fans saw him back his defender down and finish with a tough layup, put Louisville up seven.

As Conwell headed back down the floor, Louisville fans saw Mitchell hit the 'too small' gesture, and fans loved every second of it.

The Cards then took down the Wildcats, and while everyone was celebrating, Mitchell continued to show his support for Louisville, dappling up every player and coach, followed by a hug. Mitchell is one of Louisville's biggest supporters, and it is rare to see an NBA star return as much as Mitchell does to Louisville, showing just how special this program really is.

Then, after the game, and once things had settled down, he, of course, went to X and posted a simple tweet that meant a lot to Louisville fans.

And just for fun, another awesome tweet seen on X was from former Louisville fan-favorite and sharpshooter, Reyne Smith. Many former basketball stars got in on the action on social media, celebrating the Cardinals' victory, but these two were the two biggest ones that stood out.

Louisville will now have to control its emotions and move on to the next game, as the Cardinals have a grueling non-conference schedule ahead. Louisville will face Ohio this Saturday, November 15, and then renew an old rivalry with Cincinnati on November 21.

For all the latest news and updates on the Louisville basketball 2025-26 season and recruiting, stay tuned.