Missouri basketball standout Mark Mitchell found himself in an interesting spot this week. Despite being named to the All-SEC second team by the coaches, Mitchell was left out of both the USA Today and AP All-SEC teams, which are determined by media votes.
Mitchell, hailing from Kansas City, Kansas, has been a powerhouse in his senior year, leading Mizzou in scoring, rebounds, and assists. If he maintains this pace, he’ll join Albert White as the only other Missouri player to achieve this trifecta in a season. With averages of 17.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, Mitchell is surpassing marks not seen since Anthony Peeler’s days at Mizzou.
Head coach Dennis Gates is a staunch advocate for Mitchell, expressing his determination to see Mitchell’s jersey, No. 25, retired or honored. Gates emphasized Mitchell’s unparalleled value to the team, stating, “No player is more important to their team than Mitchell is to Mizzou.”
After a tough overtime loss to Arkansas, Razorbacks head coach John Calipari added his voice to the chorus, suggesting that Mitchell deserved a first-team All-SEC nod.
With a 20-11 record, Missouri sits as the 8-seed in the SEC Tournament, poised to face either Kentucky or LSU in the second round. The game tips off at 11:30 a.m. CT on Thursday in Nashville, Tennessee.
As for the All-SEC selections, Darius Acuff Jr. of Arkansas headlined the first team and was named Player of the Year. Florida’s Todd Golden took home Coach of the Year honors, while Rueben Chinyelu, also from Florida, was recognized as Defensive Player of the Year.
The Columbia Daily Tribune’s ballot for the USA Today All-SEC poll included Mitchell on their second team, acknowledging his significant contributions this season.
Mitchell’s exclusion from the media-selected teams might be puzzling to some, but his impact on the court and his leadership for Missouri are undeniable. As the Tigers gear up for the SEC Tournament, Mitchell’s performance will be crucial in their pursuit of postseason success.