Minnesota Basketball: Breakdown of newcomers for 2020-21 season
By Ben Dickson
Minnesota Basketball freshman – Martice Mitchell
Chicago Heights, IL – Power Forward – 6’10”, 190 lbs
Coming out of Bloom High School in Chicago, Martice Mitchell ranks as a consensus three-star prospect. After picking up offers from the likes of Xavier, Iowa, Maryland, and more, Mitchell committed to the Golden Gophers this past October.
It is interesting to see how Mitchell projects right away in college, as 3-stars usually aren’t ready to be cornerstone players in high-major programs right away. He also needs to fill out his frame a little bit, sitting at only 190 pounds despite measuring in at 6’10′”. For comparison, 6’10” Daniel Oturu weighs 240 pounds. Mitchell doesn’t necessarily have to be that big, but does have a way to go.
Watching his film, however, Mitchell is different than the typical big man. He runs the floor well and there are many instances of him playing on the perimeter and driving to the basket. Mitchell has the ability to shoot the three and according to the Star Tribune, Minnesota gives him “an opportunity to stretch the floor and use the perimeter skills he has at his size”. It will be interesting to see how Minnesota uses Mitchell for 2020 and beyond.
Minnesota Basketball freshman – David Mutaf
Istanbul, Turkey – Combo Guard – 6’5″, 190 lbs
A late add in the recruiting cycle (he committed this past May 24th), David Mutaf ranks as a 3-star prospect and the 176th best prospect in the class, per 247Sports. Coming out of Turkey, it is very hard to compare international prospects to the US database, but scouts project good things for Mutaf.
Travis Branham, an analyst for 247Sports, projects Mutaf as a “Power-5 Starter” like Mashburn Jr. According to Branham, Mutaf has “good size” and makes up for his average athleticism “with his blend of feel for the game, IQ and skillset”. Branham’s full scouting report can be found in the link above.
It’s hard to disagree with Branham’s analysis after watching the film, as Mutaf looks ready to contribute for Minnesota at one point or another. Mutaf was great for the junior national team this past year, averaging 22 points and 6.7 rebounds in four games played. With a sweet lefty stroke, Mutaf is lights out from all over the court. He shot 43.9% from beyond the arc in those games. It’s unclear how much he will play next season, but is definitely an intriguing add for Minnesota.