Adding Mark Mitchell would make Kentucky a legit National Title contender

If Mark Pope can land Mark Mitchell this Kentucky team will be elite.

Jan 14, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Mark Mitchell (25) celebrates after dunking the ball against the Auburn Tigers during the second half of the game at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Big Blue Nation has been waiting for days to find out what is going on with the court case surrounding former Missouri forward Mark Mitchell. Well, there is finally good news outside of Louisville, as Mitchell and the rest of the athletes in this case were granted a TRO, allowing them a fifth year of eligibility and the chance to enter the transfer portal.

There will still be some hoops for Pope and the staff to jump through for Mitchell to maintain this eligibility, but it does seem like if the Wildcats are able to land him, he should be able to suit up. The news that Mitchell will hit the transfer portal is expected soon, with the news that he is going to finish his college basketball career at Kentucky hopefully to follow right after.

Mar 20, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Mark Mitchell (25) makes a foul shot during the second half against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

When it comes to what Mitchell will do for the Wildcats on the floor, it is just scary to think how good this team is going to be. Mitchell averaged 18.3 points per game last season in the SEC and is one of the best true scorers in the nation. Mitchell had a good season from three last year, shooting 38.8% from deep on 1.5 attempts per game, but this isn't his calling card.

Mitchell is a player who is going to use his size, strength, and physicality to get the ball down low and score. He was one of the best scorers around the rim in the SEC last season, and if he were to pick Kentucky, that would be the case once again this season.

Mar 20, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Mark Mitchell (25) drives to the basket \against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes during the second half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

There is some concern at the four spot for the Wildcats with Ousmane N'Diaye and Justin McBride. If Pope was able to land Mitchell and have him start at the four, this starting five for Kentucky would be full of elite, proven talent. I was already excited for this season before the potential addition of Mitchell, but now the idea of adding him has made it even greater.

The ceiling for this Kentucky team, if they are able to land Mitchell, could quickly become the program's ninth National Title. Fans felt prior to Mitchell rumors that the Wildcats could be good this season, but there weren't many NCAA Tournament-winning aspirations among most of BBN. Adding Mitchell would quickly change that, and this would become one of the most highly anticipated Kentucky basketball seasons we've seen in a long time. If Kentucky lands Mitchell, #9 becomes very realistic.

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