Kentucky lands West Virginia transfer Mitchell

Kentucky has landed a dedication from West Virginia switch Tre Mitchellsimply days after he entered the portal following Bob Huggins’ resignation as males’s basketball coach.

The Wildcats had been the prohibitive favourite for Mitchell as quickly as he entered the portal Friday morning, instantly bringing him on campus this previous weekend for a go to.

The college formally introduced his signing early Monday afternoon, with coach John Calipari tweeting about Mitchell’s arrival.

“Tre is from Pittsburgh and I’ve recognized him for years,” Calipari wrote. “This was a singular scenario, however as quickly as he put his identify within the portal, he was a participant I knew we would have liked to pursue. He brings management, expertise, dimension and flexibility and is a superb match for what we wish to do. I do know it is a win for us and I imagine this can be a win for him too. We’re excited to have him as part of our program.”

Mitchell additionally introduced his determination via social media.

“Mountaineers!! I am unable to thanks sufficient for the love and help you’ve got proven,” he wrote. “You guys are actually considered one of a sort. I’ve a dream and I’ve the chance to reside it out. I’ve gotta take into consideration my future and guarantee myself the very best alternative to observe that dream. I do know you guys will perceive, if not at present then you’ll in the future. WVU will at all times maintain a particular place in my coronary heart however it is time to guess on myself.”

Kentucky would be the fourth faculty for Mitchell, who began his profession at UMass for 2 seasons earlier than transferring to Texas after which West Virginia. The 6-foot-9 huge man began 32 video games for the Mountaineers final season, averaging 11.7 factors and 5.5 rebounds. With Oscar Tshiebwe leaving for the NBA and freshman star Aaron Bradshaw’s offseason damage points, the Wildcats wanted an skilled frontcourt participant who might begin straight away. Mitchell suits that mildew.

His arrival is Calipari’s second huge success story up to now week, after guard Antonio Reeves opted to return to Lexington as an alternative of getting into the portal. Reeves averaged 14.4 factors final season for Kentucky. He and Mitchell give the Wildcats two confirmed faculty producers within the lineup to go together with the nation’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class.

Mitchell was considered one of three West Virginia gamers to enter the portal final week as the college’s seek for Huggins’ substitute dragged on with no decision. The Mountaineers introduced Saturday that assistant coach Josh Eilert could be the interim coach for the 2023-24 season. Following Eilert’s promotion, Kerr Crisis introduced he was withdrawing from the portal and returning to Morgantown. Guard Joe Toussaint stays within the portal, with Kansas State, Texas Tech and Alabama among the many colleges in pursuit; he is additionally contemplating a return to West Virginia. Reserve ahead Mohamed Wague entered the portal Monday morning.