Duke basketball dynamic freshman forward makes NBA Draft decision

Duke basketball freshman forward Mark Mitchell made his decision on the NBA Draft. 

It’s NBA Draft decision week within the Duke basketball program and Thursday morning proved to be Mark Mitchell‘s announcement day.

The Blue Devils have already learned of some future decisions as guard Tyrese Proctor announced he will be returning for his sophomore season and forward Dariq Whitehead will be leaving school and preparing for the draft.

However, head coach Jon Scheyer can write Mark Mitchell’s name on his rotation sheets for next year in permanent marker as the forward announced that he will be returning to Durham for another season.

“When I step on the floor, the only thing on my mind is winning,” Mitchell said in his social media announcement.

The 6-foot-8 forward was such a versatile piece for the Blue Devils last season and his absence was very apparent when Duke lost to Tennessee in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament after the freshman injured his knee in practice the day before the game.

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Mitchell averaged 9.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 46.9-percent from the field and 35.2-percent from 3-point range.

“The job isn’t finished,” Mitchell continued.

“And I’m coming back for it all.”

Duke basketball roster beginning to take shape

The Blue Devils are still awaiting the NBA Draft decisions from freshmen Dereck Lively and Kyle Filipowski while junior Jeremy Roach also has to make a major decision on his future.

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Duke has the No. 2 recruiting class in the country, according to 247Sports, arriving on campus this summer with five 5-star prospects in the fold.

Incoming freshmen Mackenzie Mgbako and Sean Stewart are both listed as 6-foot-8 forwards and the depth and experience the two players will have alongside of Mark Mitchell should make the Blue Devils that much more potent.