Kentucky basketball: Tre Mitchell’s impact crucial in GLOBL Jam Tournament win

On Wednesday, Kentucky basketball won its first game in the 2023 GLOBL Jam Tournament, 81-73 over Team Germany. The Wildcats, although made up of entirely UK players, are representing Team USA at the event.

Although fifth-year guard Antonio Reeves led Kentucky in scoring with 24 points, transfer Tre Mitchell wasn’t too far behind with 20 points. The former West Virginia Mountaineer added six rebounds and three points.

Mitchell’s impact was noteworthy because he’s only been a part of the Kentucky basketball program since June 26. Less than a month later, he’s already looking to be a massive part of the ‘Cats roster in 2023-24.

It was Mitchell’s efficiency from the field that is the most welcome sight. The big man shot 7-of-13, going 4-of-6 from behind the three-point line. Mitchell has always been a fairly efficient player but did see his field goal percentage drop to a career-low in 2022-23. That clearly wasn’t the case in Wednesday’s game, as Mitchell shot over 50% from the field and made the most of his three-pointers.

Tre Mitchell was also able to dominate with two other Kentucky basketball big men sidelined due to injury. 5-star freshman Aaron Bradshaw and rising sophomore Ugonna Onyenso both didn’t play. That meant Mitchell and Adou Thiero had to hold down the fort down low. It’s not an easy task trying to play aggressively as a big man with few reinforcements if you get into foul trouble. It’s a testament to Mitchell’s experience.

It’s obviously a minuscule sample size, but it goes to show what Mitchell is capable of and why Kentucky basketball landed a star late in the transfer portal window. Sometimes, you just have to wait until you get what’s best.

Mitchell and the Wildcats will take on Team Canada on Thursday at 8 p.m. It will be televised on tape delay on CBS Sports Network at midnight.