Duke basketball: The most versatile 2022 recruit in Coach K’s sight

A promising high school talent is now attracting Duke basketball attention.

Of all the recruits from the 2022 class who have heard from the Duke basketball staff since Monday, when college coaches could begin dialing up rising juniors directly, Bishop Miege (Kan.) small forward Mark Mitchell may have the most potential.

At No. 19 overall on the 247Sports 2022 Composite, the 6-foot-8, 205-pound five-star ranks only fifth among the 10 receiving interest from Blue Devils. That said, according to Zagsblog contributor Jacob Polacheck’s interview with Mitchell, Duke basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski tasked lead assistant Jon Scheyer for the job of initiating contact, suggesting the versatile hoopster could become a top priority down the line:

“I talked to Coach Scheyer for about 15-20 minutes just getting to know each other. We’re starting to build a relationship. He just talked to me a little bit about their program, how they do things, and how they want to come to see me play this summer when things open back up.”

Currently, Mitchell only holds offers from Kansas, Arkansas, UCLA, and Wake Forest. Yet seeing that the Kansas City native has also heard from the likes of North Carolina, Virginia, Villanova, and Michigan, he’s sure to attract many more official suitors in the near future.

The Blue Devils, meanwhile, have yet to deliver any 2022 offers. It wouldn’t be a surprise, though, if Mitchell is among the first recipients. His sophomore year mixtapes (above and below) show a lengthy specimen who has a variety of explosive moves to the basket, a high level of confidence with the ball in his hands, an up-tempo playing style, a keen eye for open teammates, a decent stroke from deep, and a knack on defense for timing his bounce to block shots.

On the list of the top 100 high school players, regardless of age, that Rivals analysts Corey Evans and Eric Bossi compiled in February, Mitchell came in at No. 70 and drew the following summary:

“One of the top prospects in the Midwest. Has the size and strength to play as either a small-ball four-man or the skill to play as a big wing.”

Per Mitchell’s recent chat with Pro Insight, he’s the son of military parents and the youngest of five siblings. Speaking to his athleticism, he was a two-time Junior Olympics long jump champion at age 12 and 13. Interestingly, his oldest brother, Brandon, is a 33-year-old professional dance choreographer who lives in Los Angeles and has toured with such stars as Khalid, Miley Cyrus, and Alicia Keys; this, of course, hints at UCLA being an attractive option for Mark.

Mark Mitchell saw how the Duke basketball program benefited Zion Williamson

Mitchell also spoke to Pro Insight about his “100 percent open” recruitment, his lost love for Kentucky, and the Zion-related reason that he may be higher on the college route than the new G League option:

“I did [have a dream school] when I was younger. It was probably Kentucky, just because…they had guys like John Wall, Anthony Davis, Kidd-Gilchrist, Bledsoe, Cousins…I don’t have a dream school anymore…I just want the best fit…I kind of want to see what happens with [the G League]. I think it’ll be a better opportunity for some people. Going to college will be in some people’s favor also. I don’t think Zion Williamson would be Zion Williamson right now if he didn’t go to Duke.”

ALSO READ: Four benefits Zion Williamson clearly received from Coach K

To catch up on the other nine 2022 preps who appeared on the Duke basketball radar last week, click here or begin with the following link:

Stay tuned to Ball Durham for more Duke basketball recruiting news and views.