Sophomore forward Mark Mitchell announced Friday morning via Instagram that he has committed to Missouri for his junior season. Duke’s starting lineup will have a 6-foot-9 hole next season as an integral member of its frontcourt makes the transition to be a Tiger for Missouri head coach Dennis Gates.
A starter in 67 games for the Blue Devils across the last two seasons, Mitchell announced his decision to enter the transfer portal April 9. He was the second Duke player to transfer out of the program after sophomore center Christian Reeves.
The Kansas City, Kan., native was one of Duke’s strongest on-ball defenders, and was often matched up with the opposing team’s best forward. He averaged 11.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game last season, ranking fourth and second on the team, respectively. He posted at least 20 points five times, with his season high of 23 coming twice against Notre Dame Jan. 6 and Wake Forest Feb. 12.
In their matchup against the Fighting Irish, Mitchell scored 16 straight for the Blue Devils in what was his most dominant offensive performance of the season. He also snagged three steals in Duke’s second-round NCAA tournament win against James Madison in a stellar defensive outing. While he struggled to find the same 3-point consistency he had his freshman year — the lefty shot just 27.5% from behind the arc — Mitchell was able to get to the rim at will against less athletic teams.
Mitchell took on a significant role for the Blue Devils from his first appearance as a freshman, as an early-season injury to then-freshman Dariq Whitehead forced him to immediately enter the starting lineup. The Sunrise Christian product proved his value, scoring 18 in the season opener against Jacksonville, and remained a starter for the rest of the season. The only game Mitchell did not start — or play — in was the team’s second-round loss in the NCAA tournament to Tennessee, as he sustained an injury prior to the game.
A key part of head coach Jon Scheyer’s first two years at the helm, Mitchell’s departure will force the young play caller to adapt. Duke has a strong recruiting class coming in for the upcoming season, but Scheyer may look to the portal himself to find an experienced wing defender like Mitchell.
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Dom Fenoglio is a Trinity sophomore and a sports managing editor of The Chronicle's 120th volume.