Mike Sharavjamts arrives at USF. Expectations are beyond lofty.
Reverential words for a big man are nothing new on a basketball court. But this year’s hardwood at War Memorial Gym will be different. Mike Sharavjamts, or “Mongolian Mike,” has arrived to play with the USF Dons. The 6-foot, 8-inch guard and forward is the first Mongolian citizen to play Division I men’s basketball. Sharavjamts entered the transfer portal from the University of Dayton in May, where he made the Atlantic 10’s all-conference rookie team. “My bold prediction is I better dust off my dancing shoes because March is coming, and the Dons will be dancing,” says Phil Spiegel, who, along with Matt Quinlan, are two founding board members of The Hilltop Club (thehilltopclub.com). The fundraising collective ensures the USF Dons use the new NIL college ecosystem—which compensates elite athletes—to attract gamers. Spiegel believes the NIL levels the playing field and can help USF recruit and ethically reward athletes. “Mike means a lot to the program. He gives USF a legitimate NBA first-round draft pick talent who will help the Dons win games,” he says. “USF has a loyal and passionate fan base, and our fans who bleed green and gold are excited.”
Photography by: COURTESY OF USF
