Donovan Mitchell knew that Rick Pitino would be disappointed to learn of his decision to forgo his collegiate eligibility after his sophomore season and enter the NBA Draft. He was terrified to break the news. Especially after making a public declaration about his intention to run it back for a national title.
Mitchell recently told the story during a conversation with Theo Pinson and A.J. Richardson on the Run Your Race podcast.
That one was probably the scariest phone call as a “kid,” so to speak, that you have to make. To tell your coach that you’re not coming back. Especially for someone I didn’t think this was going to happen, to now be in this position.
— Donovan Mitchell, via Run Your Race
In an effort to try and make the conversation a little bit easier, Mitchell called him on a day where most of Kentucky is drinking. Especially in Louisville.
The entire city shuts down for Kentucky Derby day. That is when Mitchell chose to get on the phone!
I figured, like, maybe he’s drunk. I’m going to talk to him, but maybe he will forget.
— Donovan Mitchell, via Run Your Race
Pitino did not forget! They talked, Mitchell broke the news, and his head coach understood.
It ended up being the right decision. Mitchell was drafted No. 13 overall and has since played in four All-Star games.
The decision to enter the NBA Draft came after running through some workouts in California. Mitchell, who was fully prepared to return back to the Cardinals, decided to test the waters.
Chris Paul, C.J. McCollum and Paul George were among the players who encouraged him to go pro. That was ultimately the deciding factor. If they were encouraging him to leave college for the NBA, without anything to gain, there must have been a reason.
However, as excited as he was about the encouragement, Mitchell had not talked with Pitino. Thus, after working up the courage, he concocted a plan to call him on the one day that might guarantee intoxication.
Mitchell also detailed how he was constantly “playing in fear” under Rick Pitino, who he called “another level” of crazy. Despite all of the intimidation involved with playing for a coach of such legendary status, and having to tell him that he was leaving, Donovan Mitchell could not be more grateful for their time together!
The full conversation can be found here: