The men’s basketball team at the University of Minnesota has recently made a noteworthy addition with the transfer of Frank Mitchell from Canisius. Mitchell’s commitment to the team was officially announced on Wednesday, and it brings a much-needed physical presence to the Gophers’ frontcourt.
Standing at an imposing 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 240 pounds, Mitchell is anticipated to have a strong impact for the Gophers under the guidance of coach Ben Johnson. The talented big man will be eligible to play for two more seasons, providing the team with a valuable asset to strengthen their line-up.
During the previous season, Mitchell demonstrated his abilities by averaging 12.1 points and an impressive 11.6 rebounds per game, a statistic that ranked him fourth nationally. His outstanding performance included achieving 15 double-doubles and recording 12 games with at least 14 rebounds, establishing himself as a formidable force on the court.
Particularly noteworthy is Mitchell’s standout game against Manhattan, where he achieved a career-high of 22 rebounds, along with 13 points and four blocks, contributing significantly to an overtime victory. His prowess was further demonstrated in a game against Rider, where he delivered 12 points and 21 rebounds, highlighting his consistency and impact on the game.
It is important to note that Mitchell had to sit out the 2022-23 season after transferring from Humber College in Toronto. Nonetheless, his previous record at Humber College was remarkable, as he averaged 14.5 points and an incredible 18 rebounds during his freshman year, contributing to the team’s success in clinching the Canadian College Athletic Association national championship in the 2021-22 season.
The addition of Mitchell comes at an opportune time for the Gophers, as they seek to fill the void created by the departure of Pharrel Payne, the team’s starting sophomore big man who recently entered the transfer portal. With Mitchell’s arrival, the Gophers’ frontcourt, which already boasts talents such as Dawson Garcia, Parker Fox, and Kadyn Betts, is now further strengthened.
In conclusion, the recruitment of Frank Mitchell signifies an exciting development for the Gophers men’s basketball team, and fans can look forward to witnessing his impactful contributions on the court in the upcoming seasons. His physicality and skill set are poised to make a significant difference and enhance the team’s prospects in the competitive arena of college basketball.