LOOK: Donovan Mitchell reacts to Kentucky's stunning loss to Saint Peter's
Saint Peter’s upset of Kentucky 85-79 has gone viral around the basketball world, and has reached one of Louisville’s most notable alumni, Donovan Mitchell.
“Man Kenny Payne gets hired as the new coach and UK loses in the same day,” Mitchell tweeted.
Despite Oscar Tshiebwe‘s 30 points and 16 rebounds, Kentucky couldn’t hold off the Peacocks in overtime, and have immediately become the laughing stock of college basketball. Daryl Banks III scored a season-high 27 points thanks to five 3-pointers and Doug Edert came in clutch with 20 points of his own.
Despite leading by two scores in overtime, Kentucky was stunned and Louisville is having a field day at their rival’s expense. Even head football coach Scott Satterfield is getting in on the fun alongside Mitchell.
Payne, who Mitchell mentioned in the tweet, is expected to be announced as the Louisville Cardinals next basketball head coach on Friday. Current New York Knicks assistant Kenny Payne is expected to take the job, returning to the college game after a short stint in the NBA.
Just like Mitchell, Payne played his college basketball at Louisville, winning the 1986 national championship with the Cardinals. Four years later, Payne was coaching college basketball, starting out as an assistant coach for the Oregon Ducks. He was soon hired by John Calipari in 2010, working with the Kentucky Wildcats for nearly a decade and being named the associate head coach in 2014. Payne accepted a role with the New York Knicks in 2020, working with head coach Tom Thibodeau.
He will be taking over from Chris Mack, who was fired in the middle of the season. Dealing with some off-the-court player issues as well, Mack was not able to put Louisville in a position to make the NCAA Tournament the season. The Cardinals finished with a 13-19 record and 11th in the ACC.
While Payne was at Kentucky, Mitchell spent a one-and-done season at Louisville for the 2016-17 season. With Mitchell leading the charge, the Cardinals defeated the Wildcats 73-70 in Louisville. Mitchell scored 13 points despite De’Aaron Fox and Malik Monk combining for 37 points. It would be the only time the future Utah Jazz star would play Kentucky. For Mitchell, he’ll forever have bragging rights over the ‘Cats.
With Kentucky losing early in the NCAA Tournament and the prospect of Payne leading the ‘Cards to the promise land, things are looking up for the Louisville fanbase in March despite missing out on the tournament.