Missouri Basketball: Duke wing Mark Mitchell will wear black and yellow later this year

After spending two years in Durham playing for Coach Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils, Mark Mitchell has decided to move on from the program.

The announcement was made on April 19th, per Joe Tipton.

Mitchell was able to secure a significant role on Jon Scheyer's team, normally playing as the four-man alongside Kyle Fiilipowski (now entering this year's NBA Draft). He was able to produce great rebounding and length on the defensive end but was never able to find his stroke from the three-point line during his time. However, his touch around the rim served him well. 

The rising junior is 6-foot-9 and 232 pounds out of Kansas City, Kansas. He averaged 12 points, six rebounds, and one assist, in addition to his 54 percent shooting overall. As already mentioned, his shot from beyond the arc never came into play, as he was only capable of draining 28 percent from that distance. This number is lower than when he first arrived on campus, where he put up 35 percent as a freshman.

The 2023-2024 journey was headlined by two 23-point performances—one against Notre Dame (January 6th) and one against Wake Forest (February 12th). These were two of the five times that Mitchell was able to reach at least 20 points. However, at times, his scoring total by the end of a game could be found in the single digits. A scenario that happened nine different times.

College Basketball Scouting displays Mitchell's strengths and weaknesses. His knack for scoring at the rim is his biggest source of points. In addition, being able to use his ability to grab offensive rebounds provides second-chance opportunities for his team. He can rip through his defender for an easy layup and fight through contact no matter who's around. The weakness that lies within Mitchell's game is his shooting. A flat jumper results in hitting the back rim, although an area for improvement nonetheless.

Coach Gates will 100 percent find a way to improve Mitchell's shot one way or another as he is more than capable of improving that part of his skill set. This will not only make him a better player individually but Missouri a better team overall.