Basketball has always been a family affair for Danny Mikuta, the youngest of four brothers who have played the sport at Neuqua Valley.
The 6-foot-3 junior center’s oldest brother, Jimmy Mikuta, who graduated in 2018, made it as high as the sophomore team, and brothers Tommy and Matt Mikuta play for Neuqua Valley’s Special Olympics teams. Tommy Mikuta, who graduated in 2024, is in the STEPS program, while Matt Mikuta, who is Danny’s twin and a few minutes older, is a junior.
Tommy Mikuta’s team has qualified for the state finals in his age group, and Matt Mikuta’s team fell one win short of the state finals.
“It’s been fun,” Danny Mikuta said. “I’ve been playing with them every day for the past, what, 17 years in the back yard, so seeing them be able to play with their teams and make it to state or barely missing it is something cool to see.”
Although Danny Mikuta has never played on a basketball team with his brothers, it’s clear they share a bond. Tommy and Matt Mikuta are frequently in attendance at Neuqua Valley’s home games.
“I like coming out here and supporting my brother, and every time I come, I always see him do very good,” Matt Mikuta said. “And then in the back yard, I just like shooting around with my brothers. I have fun playing games with them.”
Danny Mikuta and his teammates have been having a lot of fun this season. The Wildcats (27-1, 8-0) lead the DuPage Valley Conference and are ranked No. 5 in Class 4A in the poll by The Associated Press.
Danny Mikuta, who is averaging 6.0 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 49%, hasn’t had his best statistical season. But sophomore forward Cole Kelly, a Division I prospect, and junior guard Mason Martin, an Illinois commit, have become one of the best duos in the state.
So Danny Mikuta isn’t focused on being the center of attention.
“We thought he had a chance to be an absolute beast this year, but I think he’s so unselfish, he wants Cole and Mason and Carter (Coviello) and Luke (Balgro) to get the shots,” Neuqua Valley assistant Tyler Sutton said. “He’s the last guy in the starting lineup who wants to shoot it.”
Danny Mikuta is finding other ways to contribute.
“Even though it’s not been my season from three, I’ve been trying to impact as much as possible, getting rebounds, putbacks, and then finding my teammates,” he said.
Danny Mikula could make an even bigger impact next season.
“There’s always someone who gets called up young as a sophomore, which is great, struggles junior year, and they’ve always bounced back senior year,” Sutton said. “So I’m going to expect some huge things from Danny.
“All-conference should be on his list of things that he wants to achieve, and he could definitely do it.”
Next season seems a long way away for Danny Mikuta and his brothers, who are focused on helping — and supporting — the Wildcats as they embark on what they hope will be a deep playoff run.
After basketball season, Danny and Matt Mikuta will turn their attention to baseball. Both started in the outfield for the sophomore team last year, and Danny Mikuta was promoted to the varsity team midway through the season.
When asked which brother is the best basketball player, Tommy and Matt Mikuta pointed to Danny. Tommy Mikuta said Danny has taught him how to shoot and dribble.
Tommy and Matt Mikuta have helped Danny too.
“Having them around has been teaching me to be very good to who I’m playing with,” Danny Mikuta said, “and how to play with people.’”
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
