Kentucky Basketball: 3 ways Tre Mitchell will help the Wildcats next season
Veteran Leadership
According to ESPN, the Kentucky Wildcats will feature five of the Top 25 players in the class of 2023 next season. While that is certainly a boatload of talent for one team to have, it also presents a set of challenges. All of these players will expect a lot of playing time but none of them have the experience of playing under the bright lights in nationally televised games each and every time they step on the floor.
Tre Mitchell is a fifth-year senior who brings a wealth of experience to the Kentucky Wildcats next season. He has played in both the Big 12 Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. He understands the pressure of March Madness and knows what it’s like to play for a team that is expected to win by their fanbase. Next season, while Coach Cal will undoubtedly rely heavily on his freshman phenoms, he will have at least one experienced player who can be the voice of reason when internal turmoil and doubts threaten the continuity of the team.
The transfer portal has changed the landscape of college basketball. More than ever before, it is not uncommon for a player to play for multiple schools during their career. Tre Mitchell is a prime example of this; next season he will suit up for his fourth school in five seasons. He has experienced great individual success in the past and shows flashes of returning to form last year while playing for West Virginia.
Playing for the Kentucky Wildcats next season was the right decision for Mitchell’s future. Undoubtedly, the 6’9″ forward has aspirations of playing in the NBA. While it may be difficult for him to play himself into the first round of the 2024 NBA draft, it is not unthinkable that a good showing during his final season of college eligibility while playing for a high-profile program could earn him a second-round selection. Regardless, at the very least he will be invited to a training camp and be given the chance to prove himself and potentially make the team.
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Kentucky’s recruiting prowess made them a team to watch in 2024. With the addition of Tre Mitchell, they just became one of the favorites to win the SEC, and maybe even more.