DJ Mitchell (Brisbane Bullets) on navigating a difficult rookie season, playing in his dad's NBL shadow and the Polish league championship

In his first NBL season, DJ Mitchell was a surprise addition to the Bullet's roster, earning a spot within the team's starting line-up through his ability to score against any opposition.

Mitchell, who is the son of former NBL import Mike Mitchell who played for Gold Coast, Brisbane and North Melbourne in the 1990s, takes us through what it's been like playing in Australia and the impact his dad still has on the Queensland basketball scene.

During his rookie season, he delivered a breakout game for the Bullets, early in the season against the defending champion Sydney Kings, finishing with a 20 point and 10 rebound double-double. 

Although the Bullets season was marred by continuous coaching changes, which Mitchell gives his thought on, his play continued to grow as the season progressed.

DJ also chats with host Dan Boyce about his time in college, playing overseas and the importance of patience.

Visit dunk.com.au for your next set of basketball uniforms.

Topics include...

• Preparing for the Polish National Championship (2:00)
• The difference between the Polish league and the NBL (6:00)
• Stories of his father Mike playing in the NBL and the love he still gets from aussie hoops tragics (8:00)
• Playing college basketball at Wake Forest and Santa Clara (10:00)
• How the merry-go-round of Bullets coaches impacted Mitchell this season (18:00)
• The truth behind why he was suspended for one game by the Bullets (20:00)
• Thoughts on the upcoming season and new coach Justin Schueller (21:30)
• Advice he received from his Dad regarding his game this season (27:00)
• The toughest challenges he faced during his basketball career so far (29:00)

Listen to our previous interviews with the biggest stars in Australian Basketball.

Head to Aussie Hoopla to check out previous podcasts featuring; Australian Basketball Legends - Luc Longley, Andrew Gaze, Shane Heal, Mark Bradtke, Leroy Loggins, David Andersen, Andrew Vlahov, Phil Smyth, CJ Bruton, Chris Anstey, Brett Maher, John Rillie, Tony Ronaldson, Damian Martin, Brad Newley

Current NBL Stars - Bryce Cotton, Chris Goulding, Tyler Harvey, Dejan Vasiljevic, Thomas Abercrombie, Daniel Johnson, Jason Cadee, Mitch McCarron, Anthony Drmic, Luke Travers

Our Finest Coaching Minds - Brian Goorjian, Barry Barnes, Joey Wright, Adrian Hurley, Aaron Fearne, Rob Beveridge, Ian Stacker, Shawn Dennis, Dean Vickerman, Trevor Gleeson, Lindsey Gaze, Ken Cole, Will Weaver, Bruce Palmer

NBA Stars Past & Present - Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Stephen Jackson, Randy Livingston, Torrey Craig, Jack White, Acie Earl, Josh Childress, Reggie Smith, Todd Lichti, Ryan Broekhoff, Doug Overton

The NBL's Greatest Imports - Darryl McDonald, Ricky Grace, Derek Rucker, Leon Trimmingham, Scott Fisher, Lanard Copeland, Dwayne McClain, Darnell Mee, Shawn Redhage, Al Green, Steve Woodberry, Doug Overton, Kevin Lisch

And the men who run things - Larry Kestelman, Mal Speed, Paul Maley, Vince Crivelli, Jeremy Loeliger, Chris Pongrass, Jeff Van Groningen, Bob Turner, Danny Mills

All that and much more.

Follow @AussieHoopla on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or email us at [e-mail]