NCAA Basketball: Top 10 players to wear jersey No. 25 in 2023-24 season
By Joey Loose
2. Mark Mitchell (Duke)
Considered one of the Top 25 prospects among the Class of 2022, Mitchell did what many great recruits have done before him in signing with Duke. After showing signs of brilliance, he then did what less great recruits have done recently in opting to return for year two with the Blue Devils. As a sophomore, Mitchell was even more brilliant in what became a great season in Durham.
His efforts as a sophomore included 11.6 points and 6.0 rebounds a game while making 59% of his 2-point field goal attempts. Mitchell remained a vital piece of a frontcourt that included Kyle Filipowski and other young talent, contributing in a major way on both sides of the ball. A menace in the interior, Mitchell helped lead the Blue Devils on a 27-win season that included 2nd place in the ACC and a run to the Elite Eight.
After playing well in early wins, with 13 points against Michigan State and 20 versus Bucknell, Mitchell turned in some nice efforts during league play. He’d have 23 points and 14 rebounds in a road win at Notre Dame four days after dropping 21 against Syracuse. He’d have additional efforts of note, including 18 points in a loss to NC State in the ACC Tournament. His season would end at the hands of those Wolfpack again, but not before a 15-point effort in the opening round of the Big Dance.