Devin Mitchell
Todd Drexler/Sideline Sports

Men's Basketball

A Special Place in My Heart: Devin Mitchell

Former Georgia State men's basketball standout Devin Mitchell was and still is adored by Panther fans for his play on the court as well as his love of our fans off the court. After transferring following one season at Alabama, Mitchell returned home to Atlanta and made a huge impact on the Georgia State men's basketball team. With everything going on in the world, he put 'pen to paper' with a message to returning student and fans in his own words.

GSU! What's up! It's Mitch. First off, just want to say I miss you guys so much, from the fans, staff, and everybody in between. I appreciate the continued love shown to me and the rest of the guys even though we're not physically there as much anymore. We all appreciate that and you guys will always have a special place in my heart.
 
But I'm not here to talk hoops this time.
It's been a different couple of months for just about everybody in the world, and especially for us being in Atlanta. We got to be a part of some history, and we got to see it in our own backyard.
 
A few months ago we saw a number of protests take place that ignited a movement. I'm so proud of all of you that went out and took a stand for the right side of things? that would genuinely make things better for everybody because that's what it's all about - making things better and to me, everyone being able to live equally in every community makes sense.
 
Sometimes it's just that simple.
 
Having a mindset focusing on what's the right thing to do. For me all of this was an eye opener, and even uncomfortable at times.
 
I think as a student-athlete we get sheltered from the "real world" for a little longer than everybody else so we look at things differently. We usually don't see black or white, or anything like that, it's brother or sister.
 
Teammate.
 
Racism rarely exists in the locker room, so for the first time in my adult life I felt the direct effects of it. After seeing what happened to Breona Taylor, Ahmad Aubrey, and George Floyd within weeks of each other really left me disturbed. It hits differently when you're not just reading about it in a textbook for a class. I saw it with my own eyes.
 
That uncomfortable feeling that I had while watching what went on this past month is what got me to challenge myself in some ways that I hadn't before.
 
With that being said, I think we can all agree that in some way shape or form this year will be different.
 
But we HAVE to embrace it.
 
To every student coming back in the fall make this the semester that you do something to be a part of this change that we're pushing for in this country. Everybody has got to do their part in educating themselves.
 
Make a friend that may not look like you.
 
Have the uncomfortable conversations.
 
Wear the damn mask!
 
It's up to us to create leverage if we really want to make a difference.
 
Do something because the opportunity to do all of those things is right where you're at.

With love to the Panther Family,
Devin Mitchell?
 
Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Devin Mitchell

#24 Devin Mitchell

G
6' 4"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Devin Mitchell

#24 Devin Mitchell

6' 4"
Senior
G