Patrick Antonelli checks in for Louisville with his mom, Debbie, calling the game

It was a special moment Wednesday for ESPN commentator Debbie Antonelli, who called her son Patrick‘s game as Louisville played Indiana. With the Cardinals holding an 86-52 lead and only 1:55 remaining, Patrick Antonelli made his way to the scorer’s table to check in the game.

Debbie Antonelli’s partner on the broadcast, Beth Mowens, noted the moment as cameras showed Patrick waiting to sub in. You can view the moment below.

"At the scorer's table, set to check in, and looking across the way, extremely anxiously and fidgety, is his Hall of Fame mom Debbie. And here comes Patrick." – Debbie Antonelli calling her son as he checks in for Louisville pic.twitter.com/xpdbL8arhM

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 27, 2024

Patrick Antonelli is a graduate transfer in his first season with Louisville. He spent the past four seasons played Division II basketball for Emory & Henry, where he started 56 of 63 games he appeared in. He put up averages of 6.5 points, 4.7 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game.

The 5-foot-11 guard wears No. 12, the same number his mom wore during her college playing days. She played at NC State and helped the Wolfpack to four NCAA Tournament appearances, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen twice.

Debbie Antonelli would go on to attend Ohio University after her career at NC State and earned a master’s degree in sports administration. She began her broadcast career more than 30 years ago and regularly calls the women’s Final Four.

In addition to calling men’s and women’s college basketball games, Debbie Antonelli is an analyst for the Indiana Fever of the WNBA. That’s provided her with plenty of memories throughout her career, but this has to be near the top.

Patrick Antonelli grew up a Louisville fan, so the opportunity to play for a Cardinals was a dream come true.

“It has always been my dream to be on the team at Louisville since I was a little kid and coach (Pat) Kelsey has allowed me to accomplish this dream,” he said in a statement on the team’s website.

Louisville would go on to win the game against Indiana by a score of 89-61 to improve to 4-1 on the season. Antonelli finished the contest with three points (all on free throws) and a steal.