Donovan Mitchell isn’t just the Utah Jazz’s top dog, he looks to be on the verge of achieving greatness in international competition, too.
USA Basketball’s mini-camp in preparation for the 2019 FIBA World Cup is officially underway in Las Vegas. And despite the litany of NBA stars that officially withdrew from national team activity earlier this summer, a whole lot of talent was in the house at UNLV’s Mendenhall Center for Team USA’s first practice.
Among them was Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell who, despite beginning this process in a dogfight for a roster spot, suddenly has the look of a core piece for the squad that will head to China later this month.
That’s not just homer talk either; Team USA’s coach and San Antonio Spurs headman Gregg Popovich has gone on record saying he expects big things from Mitchell during camp. Specifically, he’s looking for Utah’s top dog to fill a leadership role.
"“With him it’s just a matter of continued confidence, continued understanding of the game and how he can be a leader and affect everybody else’s game.”"
Coach Pop also praised Mitchell’s ability to play multiple positions, his varied offensive skillset and his competitive nature.
Given his attributes and gumption on the hardwood, it should come as no surprise that Mitchell is suddenly in this position, i.e. primed to play a major role on an international stage. But he’s not letting anything go to his head; in fact, the 22-year-old looks to be keenly focused on two things heading into World Cup play.
Winning the tournament and beating a few of his Jazz teammates along the way. Namely, Joe Ingles and Rudy Gobert.
Via Eric Woodyard, the Deseret News —
"“I think it’ll be a great experience. This will be my first time playing for USA and I take pride in that but obviously we want to play to win,” Mitchell said. “It’s also a learning experience, but to come out there and compete. Obviously, with everybody dropping out, I wasn’t too concerned with that, but I just want to go out there and compete and beat Joe (Ingles) and Rudy (Gobert) for sure.”"
Obviously, winning FIBA gold for his country and getting bragging rights over his teammates would be huge. However, this World Cup experience could also be huge for Mitchell in terms of his individual growth as a basketball player.
Not only will he be sharing the court with some of the best ballers in the hoops world, but he’ll be able to pick the brains of some of the game’s best coaches along the way. Not just Popovich, but Golden State Warriors coach and multi-time NBA champion Steve Kerr. Also — former senior national team coach and Duke legend Mike Krzyzewski will be visiting camp this week.
For a student of the game like Mitchell, this is a golden opportunity…in more ways than one.
With all the moves the team made this summer, it’s a great time to be a Jazz fan. But Mitchell’s national team experience is undoubtedly a big reason to get excited, too.
World Cup play will tip-off on August 31. The Americans will begin their quest for top international honors one day later in Shangai.