Kentucky Basketball has found itself in the mix for one of the most intriguing transfer options on the board.
According to Ben Roberts of the Lexington Herald-Leader, the Wildcats are showing interest in Missouri forward Mark Mitchell, a player who stands out as one of the top names now available for next season. The timing is unusual, but a recent court ruling opened the door for more big-name transfers, and Mitchell is one of the biggest beneficiaries.
Mitchell brings real production with him. The 6-foot-9, 230-pound wing averaged 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game last season while shooting 54.7% from the field and 38.8% from 3-point range, good enough to earn Second-Team All-SEC honors. The season before that, he put up 13.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists per contest while shooting 50.5% overall and 26.0% from deep.
He also gave Kentucky a firsthand look in Missouri’s SEC Tournament loss to the Wildcats, when he exploded for 32 points on 13-of-21 shooting, hit both of his 3-point attempts and grabbed seven rebounds.
A former Duke McDonald’s All-American, Mitchell spent two seasons in Durham and the last two in Columbia. He had no eligibility left before the latest court ruling, which grants all class of 2022 players a fifth season, though the NCAA appeal is still pending.
For Kentucky, the fit is obvious. Mitchell could step in as the starting 4 and also slide to the 3 when Milan Momcilovic rests.
More than that, he would help address a frontcourt situation that still looks unsettled, with the 4 spot open and depth still a concern. That problem is only sharper with Kam Williams out indefinitely after a second procedure on his surgically repaired foot.
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