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Kentucky basketball: Tre Mitchell transfers to Wildcats

By Mat Mlodzinski

Mar 16, 2023; Birmingham, AL, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers forward Tre Mitchell (3) reacts after scoring a basket while being fouled against the Maryland Terrapins during the second half in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament at Legacy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2023; Birmingham, AL, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers forward Tre Mitchell (3) reacts after scoring a basket while being fouled against the Maryland Terrapins during the second half in the first round of the 2023 NCAA Tournament at Legacy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kentucky basketball secured a transfer on Monday, as Tre Mitchell left the West Virginia Mountaineers to commit to the Wildcats.

Tre Mitchell became the first transfer of the offseason to commit to Kentucky basketball, after leaving the West Virginia program amid Bob Huggins resignation.

Mitchell started his career at UMass, playing for the Minutemen for two seasons, before leaving for the Texas Longhorns in 2021. Last year, he played for his third team, averaging 11.7 points per game for West Virginia.

Now, Mitchell will play in the SEC, becoming a much-needed addition to a Kentucky basketball team made up of mostly freshmen and sophomores. The decision comes shortly after fifth-year senior Antonio Reeves decided to return to Kentucky. Mitchell’s decision to transfer to UK adds another veteran presence on a young team.

Tre Mitchell brings experience and competition to Kentucky basketball

Mitchell, a 6-foot-9 big man, makes the Kentucky Wildcats that much better on paper. Despite his best two statistical seasons being in the Atlantic-10 with UMass, Mitchell was still a starter with both Texas and WVU and should be in play to hold the same role with Kentucky.

Of course, it’s still his job to earn. Aaron Bradshaw, a 7-foot five-star freshman is also on the UK roster for 2023-24. Bradshaw and Mitchell should complement each other well, and create some healthy competition. Ultimately whoever comes off the bench should be one of the best sixth men in the SEC, if not the country.

However, Mitchell could also play the power forward position, giving Coach Cal an interesting option. Last year, UConn’s Dan Hurley opted to bring Donovan Clingan off the bench in relief for Adama Sanogo. However, Calipari could have success playing Bradshaw and Mitchell together.

The biggest plus Mitchell brings to Kentucky basketball is his experience. He’s played in over 100 games, started in 92, and has experience with some of the greatest college basketball coaches. The move to Kentucky shouldn’t faze Mitchell, and his experience should pay off on a team that desperately needed someone like him.

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