Mark Mitchell could become one of the most intriguing players available if the current eligibility situation allows class of 2022 athletes to return for an additional season.
Mitchell, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward, just finished his senior season at Missouri, where he averaged 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 54.7% from the field and 38.8% from the 3-point line on 1.5 attempts per game.
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His performances against Kentucky this past season also showed why he could be an attractive option for Mark Pope.
Mitchell scored 21 points, four assists and one rebound in Missouri’s 73-68 upset of Kentucky inside Rupp Arena. He shot 7-for-15 from the field in the victory.
Kentucky got its revenge in the SEC Tournament, but Mitchell nearly helped Missouri pull off another upset. He exploded for 32 points, seven rebounds and one assist while shooting 13-for-21 from the field and 2-for-2 from 3-point range.
Now, with Mitchell potentially eligible for another season, CBS Sports national college basketball writer Isaac Trotter believes he could have plenty of options.
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Trotter recently joined Adam Finkelstein, CBS Sports’ director of basketball scouting, on CBS Sports Network to discuss Mitchell and his future.
“I think he’s playing college basketball next year,” Trotter said. “Point blank. I think Mark Mitchell is going to find a way to get the right injunction so that he can play, and I think he’s going to get absolutely paid. I think a lot of people really covet how hard he plays, the motor, the rim pressure, the athleticism that he brings to the court. Like, he’s a five or $6 million player, in my opinion.
“And I think in this market, there’s a lot of times where people go, ‘Well, there’s no money.’ Well, for the really, really good players, that money usually tends to be found, right? Like, and Mark Mitchell is, you know, a guy who’s going to have a huge, huge market once he gets the right court ruling for his fifth year.
“The team that I’ve heard a lot about is Kentucky. That is definitely in play. You think about a potential frontline of Milan Momcilovic, Mark Mitchell at the 4. Then Malachi Moreno at the 5, like that would be a really, really impressive unit right there for Mark Pope. That’s just kind of curious, like how this whole process plays out, and I know he likes Missouri as well. So a potential return to Missouri is certainly in play, but that just point being said, I think Mark Mitchell is playing college basketball next season.”
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With Trotter’s comments, it makes many Kentucky fans hopeful that they could receive the commitment of Mitchell with their final roster spot.
Plus, having a potential frontcourt featuring Momcilovic, Mitchell and Moreno would give Pope three talented players who could create matchup problems while adding another experienced piece to a roster that has already undergone significant changes.
Mitchell’s familiarity with the SEC and his ability to score, rebound and facilitate could make him an ideal fit for Kentucky if he receives another year of eligibility.
However, Missouri remains a potential option, according to Trotter, meaning Kentucky could have competition if Mitchell ultimately decides to return to college basketball.
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With the eligibility situation continuing to develop, Mitchell could become one of the biggest names available, and Kentucky appears to be a team worth watching if he gets the opportunity to play a fifth season.
