Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell an athlete since day one
BRIEFLY in town for his “Spida in Manila Tour,” young Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell took time to meet with members of local media where he shared some of his thoughts, including the impressive rookie season he had in the National Basketball Association ( NBA) and how growing up in a “sports household” honed the person he has become.
One of the favorites to win rookie of the year after averaging 20.5 points, tops among first-year players in the 2017-2018 season, to go along with 3.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists while helping the Jazz all the way to the Western Conference semifinals, Mr. Mitchell, nicknamed “Spida,” said that he enjoyed learning in his rookie season in addition to what he already knew as an athlete prior to entering The Association.
“I grew up in a household where sports was a huge part. It played a role in preparing me in a way for the NBA. I think one of the first things I was introduced to is the routine that an athlete has like training and all. I got used to it early,” said Mr. Mitchell, whose father, Donovan, Sr., was a minor league player and coach with the New York Mets and is now an executive of the baseball franchise.
“[ In the NBA] Listening to other people helped me in a big way. I think that was one of the main reasons why I was able to do what I did this entire year. Just listening to my veterans and my coaches, and finding ways to continue to get better. It’s not easy, the games are exhausting. If you don’t listen to your teammates or listen to your elders, you really don’t have a shot,” added the Jazz guard, who was selected 13th overall in the 2017 rookie draft.
Having landed in Utah, Mr. Mitchell, 21, and the latest brand ambassador of global sports apparel brand adidas, joining the likes of James Harden of Houston and Damian Lillard of Portland, said he likes where he is at, saying the Salt Lake City is a great place and his teammates have been helpful to him.
“I’m from New York but I would say Salt Lake City is great place. We have a crowd that sells out every night,” he said.
“A lot of guys helped me. Ricky ( Rubio) teaches me on how to be a point guard and a leader. Joe Ingles with just life in general and what to expect. Thabo ( Sefolosha), he taught me how to take care of my body and how to eat right, which I’m still working on,” Mr. Mitchell added.
Placed in what he considers as an “ideal situation,” Mr. Mitchell said it is something that he would like others to experience as well, which is why he is going out of his way to pitch Utah to high- profile free agents to consider as a destination, in particular Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George.
“I’ll make a pitch to Paul George right now. We want to win, we’re not selfish. If he comes in, it’s going to make life a lot easier on the offensive end. He’s also a great defender,” Mr. Mitchell said during the press conference hosted for him by adidas at its store in Bonifacio Global City.
“Our coach Quin Snyder could be the Coach of the Year and we have a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Rudy Gobert,” he added in a making a case for Mr. George, who could choose to leave the Thunder when free agency kicks in next month.
Looking ahead, Mr. Mitchell said the learning and development continues for him.
“I’m happy with the rookie season I had but it is over with. I have to continue getting better especially on defense; taking less shots, making better passes and creating less turnovers. I have to find a way to become 10 times better than I was last year,” he said. —