Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell needs to take a major leap next season if the Jazz want to become legitimate championship contenders. Mitchell realizes that he has to be a better leader for Utah on and off the court.

“Whether it’s vocally, off the floor in the hotel room with the guys, or on the floor, I’m just trying to find ways to become a leader,” Mitchell said per Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune. “Being a captain of the team, it allows me to try to improve my leadership skills. It’s a big year coming up, and I think those will be really evident in this upcoming year.”

Mitchell is currently getting the chance to do just that as the captain for Team USA in the upcoming FIBA World Cup. The former Louisville Cardinal is also getting the prime opportunity to expand his basketball know-how from Team USA head coach, Gregg Popovich.

Certainly, spending a summer learning from one of the greatest mentors in the history of the game will certainly go a long way for the rising star, who turns 23 this September.

The Jazz appear to be going all in this season after it acquired veteran point guard Mike Conley in the off-season to help Mitchell with playmaking duties in the backcourt. Likewise, they also signed Bojan Bogdanovic to add to their offensive arsenal.

With Mitchell looking to take on the leadership role and two-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert anchoring their defense, the Jazz figure to finally break through as one of the elite teams in the Western Conference.