In this episode, we sit down with Donel Kabongo-Mutombo, one of the program’s true freshmen, to talk honestly about what freshman year of college basketball really looks like behind the scenes. From open runs and early expectations to injuries, limited minutes, and learning the mental side of the game, Donel breaks down the adjustment from high school to college hoops. We get into the realities of earning trust instead of minutes, how injuries can derail momentum, and why maturity, emotional control, and understanding your role matter just as much as raw talent. Donel also shares what he’s learned from watching games on the sidelines, navigating a season-ending injury, and preparing for surgery with the goal of coming back stronger next year. This episode is a candid look at the humbling process of freshman year, the mental side of development, and what it really takes to grow as a college athlete. - All The Socials: https://linktr.ee/SATB_Pod- 00:00 – Intro, who Donel is, why he’s on, freshman-year context 05:00 – Early runs, ISO D nickname, dunk on Sam, realizing college physicality 10:00 – Competing at the 4/5, expectations vs reality, moving from the five to the four 15:00 – Post work, sealing, why good post play is rare, battling stronger bigs like Adam 20:00 – Donel’s shoulder/labrum injury, Max’s tibia fracture, mistakes rushing back 25:00 – Offseason goals, becoming more of a threat, defensive versatility, learning team defense 30:00 – Freshman-year humility, older teammates, being reset on the totem pole 35:00 – Role acceptance, carving out a niche, doing what helps the team win 40:00 – Practice culture and intensity, drill expectations, consequences for repeated mistakes 45:00 – High school vs college: IQ, plays, speed, level of scouting and preparation 50:00 – Game stories and specific matchups, playing against bigger/stronger opponents 55:00 – Balancing academics and basketball, grades impacting playing time 1:00:00 – Confidence, mindset when minutes are low, staying engaged from the bench 1:05:00 – Leadership from vets, what good older guys do for freshmen 1:10:00 – Lessons from injury: seeing the game from the sideline, perspective shifts 1:15:00 – Looking ahead: next season goals, advice for incoming freshmen, closing thoughts
