It may be August, but thanks to a recent court ruling, there are now some big-name transfers available for Kentucky Basketball. One of the SEC’s best players from the past two years is among them.
According to Ben Roberts of the Lexington Herald-Leader, Kentucky is showing interest in Missouri Tigers forward Mark Mitchell, who is arguably the best available player for next season.
The 6-foot-9, 230-pound wing averaged 18.3 points on 54.7% shooting (38.8% from deep), 5.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game last season, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors. That came after averaging 13.9 points on 50.5% shooting (26.0% from deep), 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per contest in the 2024-25 season.
In Missouri’s SEC Tournament loss to Kentucky, Mitchell racked up 32 points on 13/21 shooting (2/2 from deep) and seven rebounds.
The former Duke McDonald’s All-American spent two years in Durham and the last two in Columbia, leaving him with no eligibility remaining before the latest court ruling that grants all class of 2022 players a fifth season (pending appeal from the NCAA).
Mitchell could be a major boost as the starting 4 for Kentucky while also providing minutes at the 3 when Milan Momcilovic is on the bench. It would solve a major frontcourt question mark entering the season, as the 4 spot is still very much up for grabs, while proven depth is also an issue, especially with Kam Williams sidelined indefinitely following a second procedure on his surgically repaired foot.
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