The announcement of Mark Mitchell’s departure from the Duke basketball program was somewhat expected but still surreal for many fans. The two-year starter has played his final game for the Blue Devils, leaving on a disappointing note after not showing the expected growth in his play since announcing his return.
Following the news spreading on social media, Mitchell took to Instagram to bid farewell to the program that he called home for the past two seasons. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Duke University and all those who supported me over the past few years,” he wrote. “I am deeply appreciative of the impact this community has had on my life, and it will forever remain dear to my heart. Having said that, I have made the decision to enter my name into the transfer portal.”
Several current Duke players, including Kyle Filipowski, Jeremy Roach, Jaden Schutt, and Jaylen Blakes, showed their support for Mitchell by commenting under his Instagram post.
Standing at 6-foot-9, Mitchell averaged 11.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, showcasing a career-best shooting percentage of 54.0% from the field. However, his 3-point shooting saw a regression, dropping to 27.5% on fewer attempts compared to the previous season.
Looking ahead, Duke faces a crowded frontcourt for the upcoming season, with freshmen Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach expected to demand significant playing time, along with the potential retention of current freshman Sean Stewart, who is also competing for minutes.
Mitchell’s impact on the court was evident, with Duke boasting a 33-4 record when he scored at least 10 points during his two seasons with the team. Additionally, he provided versatility on the defensive end.
Given his skill set and production, it’s anticipated that there will be considerable interest in Mitchell from various programs in the transfer portal.