Louisville basketball is taking on the Kentucky Wildcats, and the city of Louisville is buzzing with excitement. The KFC Yum! Center began filling up immediately once the doors were opened, including a familiar star who returned to the KFC Yum! Center.
Donovan Mitchell returned to the KFC Yum! Center for tonight's blockbuster showdown, and when fans saw he was back in Louisville, they lost their minds. Mitchell is one of, if not the best, alums to ever play for Louisville, as he holds multiple NBA records for former Louisville basketball players. He has the most NBA All-Star appearances and has scored the most NBA points by a Louisville alum. And now, as he is on the Cleveland Cavaliers and having a dominant start to the season, he decided to fly in, proving just how big this November game is.
Donovan Mitchell returns to KFC Yum! Center for Louisville vs Kentucky
All offseason, the college basketball fans were talking about multiple games, but only a few have more hype than the Battle of the Bluegrass. The Wildcats are ranked No. 9, and the Cardinals are ranked No. 12, and when both teams are relevant in college basketball, it is simply better for the sport.
Mitchell's return to the Center and firing up the fans for the game proves why this game is one of the most anticipated of the 2025-26 season.
#L1C4 #BeatUK @LouisvilleMBB 🐔🐔
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) November 11, 2025
Donovan Mitchell pulled up for Louisville/Kentucky 👀🕷️ @LouisvilleMBB
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) November 11, 2025
(via @GoCards)pic.twitter.com/uuRhFuHk2P
Mitchell has been one of the biggest supporters of the University of Louisville, as he returned to campus earlier this season. He supported the football team and attended the Bowling Green game at L&N Stadium, where he was vocally supportive on social media when the team defeated Miami. He has also returned and practiced with Pat Kelsey's 2025-26 team that same weekend in September. He has emerged as one of the fans' favorite players, consistently giving back and showing his love and support for his school.
Mitchell is currently the fourth-highest scorer in the NBA this season, averaging 30.4 points per game while shooting 51.4 percent from the floor and 40.4 percent from beyond the arc. The Cavs guard was drafted back in 2017 and has since made the All-Star Game six times, looking to make it seven this season.