Mizzou Small Forward Mark Mitchell Named to Julius Erving Award Watch List

As Mizzou basketball gears up for the new season, so do the preseason award watchlists. For a team that didn’t win a conference game last season, the transfer portal has proven to be a valuable resource.

The Tigers added small forward Mark Mitchell in the offseason, who joins Mizzou after starting 67 games for Duke over the past two seasons.

As a sophomore in 2023-24, Mitchell averaged 11.6 points, ranked second on the team with 6.0 rebounds, and contributed 24 blocks and 159 free-throw attempts.

The transfer helped lead the Blue Devils to an Elite Eight appearance last season, and Mizzou can only hope for similar success with Mitchell leading this group.

Mitchell's transfer to the Tigers was a significant addition to the program, as he was ranked the nation’s No. 7 transfer by CBS Sports.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Mitchell was named to the Julius Erving Award Watch List, which is awarded annually to the nation's top small forward. Mitchell is one of just 20 players nationwide to earn a spot on the preseason watch list and one of only four representatives from the SEC.

It will be interesting to see how Mitchell adjusts to a new system at Mizzou, where he is set to be the center of attention.

The Tigers will kick off their season on the road Monday night at 7 p.m. with a trip to Memphis for a rematch from last year, where Mizzou lost 70-55 at home.