3 keys for Baylor Basketball to win a national championship over Gonzaga
By Andrew Tineo
Mitchell’s most important game of his career
Even with Butler being the leading scorer in the Houston game, it was Mitchell’s craftiness that created opportunities for others.
Mitchell becomes the first player in program history, to have double-digit assists, with zero turnovers. Even without his prowess on offense, he finished with 11 assists, with dishing passes and scores from six different players.
https://twitter.com/marchmadness/status/1378470331258703873?s=20
The move he puts on this defender looks so effortless and may come off as bad defense. When in reality, it’s the defender respecting Mitchell to give him space. Mitchell is among the quickest players in the country and his first step dictates whether he drives to the rim or pulls up.
2nd game in a row Baylor got their clear out set for a Davion Mitchell straight line drive down the middle... against 2 defenses really good at not giving up straight line drives pic.twitter.com/NuZuCZQVXb
— Jordan Sperber (@hoopvision68) January 11, 2020
Mitchell was just 4-11 from the field, but drained half of his three-pointers, making three of six. Among the most improved players from the country has been Mitchell’s offense.
After making 32.4% of his three-pointers last year, he has improved that number by almost 13%. His production scoring has increased as well, as his 9.9 points per game have blossomed to 14.
Mitchell has been a menace on defense as he was a finalist for national defensive player of the year last year and captured the award just this past week.
His draft stock has grown exponentially, after being a late first-early second-round grade before conference play started. He is becoming a consensus lottery pick, just from his outstanding play on both ends of the floor.
Even with the praise, Mitchell has his toughest test, in quite possibly, his final game in a Baylor uniform.
Joel Ayayi has been playing his best basketball in the tournament, hitting 45% of his three-pointers. Suggs is coming off a 9-13 performance, with a game-winning three-point shot.
The task will be difficult, with the number of weapons Mitchell has to face. However, Mitchell has been battle-tested, facing All-Conference and All-Americans all year long.
Facing against Cade Cunningham, Ayo Dosunmu, Mac McClung, Miles McBride, Quentin Grimes, and more gives him the experience. In order for Baylor to win, Mitchell will have to have his most complete game on both ends of the floor.