Missouri Forward Named to National Small Forward of the Year Watch List

One of the Tigers' top transfers was included in a long list of talented small forwards across the country.

Michael Stamps | Oct 30, 2024

Mar 29, 2024; Dallas, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Mark Mitchell (25) dunks against Houston Cougars guard Mylik Wilson (8) during the second half in the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

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Missouri Tigers

Missouri forward Mark Mitchell was recently named to the Julius Erving Award Watch List, a list full of college basketball's best small forwards.

𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻'𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 😤

Congrats to Mark Mitchell for being recognized on the Julius Erving Award Watch List@Mark_mitchell25 // #ErvingAward // #MIZ 🐯 pic.twitter.com/di9WgNfE09
— Mizzou Hoops (@MizzouHoops) October 30, 2024

Mitchell, a junior transfer forward from the University of Duke, will begin his first season with the Tigers against the Memphis Tigers in a week's time.

The transfer forward was one of 20 selected to the preseason watch list, featuring Kansas's AJ Storr, UConn's Liam McNealy, Michigan State's Frankie Fidler and Kentucky's Jaxon Robinson, among others. Many of the players featured on the list were transfers, similar to Mitchell.

For the Bluedevils last season, Mitchell averaged 11.6 points, 6 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game on efficient 54% shooting. He regressed in his perimeter scoring, shooting only 27.5% from the outside compared to 35.2% his freshman season.

In Missouri's opening exhibition game against Lincoln University, Mitchell led the Tigers in scoring with 22 points. He presents as one of the starting forwards and will bring a unique offensive versatility on one side and high-intensity defense on the other.

Mitchell has shown his ability to score on multiple levels for the Bluedevils the past two seasons and with an apparently increased role with Missouri, will have more looks to show it. The dip in his three-point shooting percentage will be an area that he is looked upon to improve, as the Tigers are a team who shoot perimeter shots at a high volume.

The Tigers and Mitchell will tip off its first game of the season at 7 p.m. CT on Monday, November 4 FedEx Forum on the road against the Memphis Tigers.

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