Donovan Mitchell made the decision drop baseball and focus on basketball as a sophomore in high school. And, as the budding Louisville star said Wednesday at ACC basketball media day, he probably made the right call.
His teammates and coaches believe Mitchell, a 6-foot-3 guard, is on the brink of a breakout season. Quentin Snider, U of L's other player representative at the ACC's event, predicted that Mitchell would lead the team in scoring this season, filling the void left by Damion Lee and Trey Lewis.
Asked if he'd ever consider going the Deion Sanders route and trying to play two sports, Mitchell laughed. Probably not, he said. But if basketball doesn't pan out ...
"I haven't thrown a baseball for a while, which I've heard is good for a pitcher because your arm gets a lot more rest than the other guys who are out there throwing all the time," said Mitchell, who was a pitcher and shortstop over his baseball career.
"I do occasionally throw just to keep it arm and I've definitely picked up some speed. You never know."
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Mitchell grew up in a baseball household. His dad, Donovan Sr., played seven years in the minor leagues, reaching the Triple-A level in the Houston Astros' farm system, and is now the manager of player operations and community outreach for the New York Mets, the younger Mitchell's favorite team.
Even as his basketball career has taken off, Mitchell still holds America's pastime close to his heart. He raved Wednesday about Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez, who walloped two home runs in Game 1 of the World Series, and he picked Cleveland to win the series.
It does hurt "a little bit" that he had to give up something he loves, Mitchell said, but basketball suits him better. He enjoys the tempo of hoops, and it seems to be a better fit for his athleticism.
But if he does go back, Mitchell said he has a foundation of good stuff, including a fastball that topped out at 86 mph and is probably faster now. He can throw a two-seam fastball and a "filthy" change-up, too, although he said his curveball isn't great and his cutter "never moves."
"Sometimes I'll watch TV and I'll think, 'Man, I wish I could be out there pitching against whoever it is,'" Mitchell said. "But you don't want to live with regrets. I enjoy the fact I made this decision and I'm happy with it."