Sacramento Kings point guard Davion Mitchell took time while visiting his family in Hinesville to meet with fans on Friday, April 15, at the Schuman Recreation Center in Hinesville.

Mitchell, who was home for a brief period, held a coaching session, signed autographs and posed for photos with fans.

The Hinesville native started his collegiate career at Auburn before transferring to Baylor, where he helped the Bears win the 2021 NCAA championship title.

The Liberty County High School graduate was the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft and signed his rookie contract with the Kings in August 2021.

Mitchell said he was happy to be home for a bit after finishing his first NBA season. “I miss home, and you always want to come home when you have the chance,” he said. Mitchell said he wanted to give back to the community that gave so much to him. He said he hopes to inspire the next generation of basketball players and let them know they can make it to the NBA, too, even coming from a small town.

 He said he looked up to former NBA players like Jordan McRae, who is also from Liberty County and inspired him to work hard. During the event, Mitchell played hoops with some of the kids, who soaked in all his basketball knowledge and skills. “It’s fun,” Mitchell said. “I love the game of basketball, no matter who I’m playing with. I love playing the game, and to see their smiling faces, I love that.” He said life hasn’t changed much since joining the Sacramento Kings. He lives with his girlfriend and said he goes to the gym daily to work on his game. “They got more restaurants,” he said about living in Sacramento. “But that is all I know.” Mitchell said he wants to keep working hard to be as successful as his fellow NBA players.

For the Kings, Mitchell played in 75 games with 19 starts and averaged 11.5 points per game. On the Summer League First Team, Mitchell helped the Kings win the 2021 NBA Summer League Championship and was named NBA Summer League Co-MVP with Cameron Thomas.