In a world where the NBA is dominated by branded jersey sales and corporations funneling money to superstars, Donovan Mitchell has been known as an underdog. His friendship with Lamar Jackson was a fleeting relationship before it became one of the best stories in college basketball history.
Both Lamar Jackson and Donovan Mitchell are some of the best players in college basketball. They both led their teams to a national championship last season, while also being key members on USA Basketball’s gold medal winning team at the World Cup. The friendship they formed was forged through adversity, with each overcoming personal hurdles that threatened to derail them from reaching their ultimate goal: NBA stardom
Donovan Mitchell and Lamar Jackson are two of the best players in college basketball. They have a friendship that is unlike any other, even if they are rivals on the court.
6 a.m. ET
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ESPN’s Eric Woodyard
It was the summer of 2015 at the time.
When true freshman Lamar Jackson and Donovan Mitchell met for the first time late one night on the University of Louisville’s campus, they were just a few of weeks into their classes.
Jackson, a quarterback, was kicking the ball around with a few colleagues, while Mitchell, a basketball guard, was hanging out with the hoopers.
When they decided to join the basketball program’s KFC Yum! Center practice facility for an impromptu dunk session, the introductions and casual discussion developed into friendly rivalry.
There were no cameras in the room. There is no media. There’s no need to rush. It’s just a bunch of adolescents having a good time.
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Mitchell, no doubt, could empathize.
Mitchell’s debut season in the NBA was marred by early doubts from detractors who said he was shooting too frequently. However, his performance helped the Jazz defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.
“I simply try to find ways to support him,” Mitchell added.
Since then, the words of encouragement have persisted. Mitchell sent a message of support to the Ravens after they lost in the divisional round to the Buffalo Bills last season. When the Jazz were upset by the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference semifinals in June, Jackson did the same.
“I had contacted him. ‘You have to keep going,’ I urged him. I knew he had it because I’d seen it in him. He was attempting to win the NBA title “According to Jackson. “He’ll get it eventually. With his enthusiasm for the game, I get the impression he is. He’s passionate about the game, but he’s not without his detractors. People seem to be talking about him.”
Mitchell said, “It’s ongoing support and love for each other.”
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“So, ‘fresh beginning?’ I’m thinking. That appeals to me. So, I’m feeling like I’m not like everyone else going to college, so I’m like ‘new age,’ “According to Jackson. “So that’s how I came up with my Instagram handle (@new era8). With it, I put a new era. I’m like the new period of everything, and I’m going to take over. That’s exactly what I’m thinking.”
Jackson’s No. 8 is now one of the top ten selling NFL jerseys.
Mitchell not only possesses a Jackson jersey, but he also admires what it stands for: a Black athlete defying stereotypes.
Mitchell has spoken out against racially charged occurrences while living and playing in Utah, most notably when filthy and racist remarks were hurled towards NBA players Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies and Russell Westbrook of the Washington Wizards inside Utah’s Vivint Arena. Those supporters were barred from the organization.
Mitchell also came out against a Utah charter school that allowed parents to opt their children out of learning about Black History Month. After public outrage, the judgment was overturned.
Jackson hosts “Funday with LJ,” a free football program for youngsters in his hometown of South Florida that includes free refreshments and a dedicated food truck.
While Mitchell will be unable to attend Jackson’s jersey ceremony in Louisville due to the Jazz’s next game against Miami, the award means far more to him than an athletic success.
“The most important thing, in our own unique ways, is that we’re demonstrating to our community that you can achieve greatness. You may also be a terrific person, a great community champion, and do amazing things “Mitchell said.
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