Early 2012 draft breakdown: SI

[Harry]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/luke_winn/06/28/2012.NBA.draft/

Four mid-major prospects to watch (despite the strong possibility that there won't be a mid-major player picked in the first round)

1. Tony Mitchell, Fr., PF, North Texas: Mitchell lost what was supposed to be his freshman year at Missouri when he failed to qualify academically. He enrolled at UNT in January and could be eligible in mid-December if he completes the necessary credits. Despite his extended layoff, the former No. 12 overall prospect in Rivals' Class of 2010 remains intriguing to scouts, who are eager to watch him in this summer's FIBA U19 World Championships. Mitchell has the size (6-8) and explosiveness to be a standout player in the Sun Belt -- if he ever gets on the floor in college.

[KoldBeer]

Even if Mitchell only plays one semester at North Texas, the publicity he is bringing to the program is huge.

[bstnsportsfan3]

agreed its nice seeing article after article with "Tony Mitchell, North Texas" on it...GMG!

[UNTMike81]

I'll bet Tony see's more than 1 semester of BB with UNT. His mother lives in Dallas and I'm sure she'd like to see her son stay in college a little more than 1 semester. Based on Tony's grades he's not stupid as some have speculated, hence their worry about Tony making his grades. Most students get pushed out of college because they're not smart enough to get good grades, or they don't have good time management skills, and that affects their grades in the long run. Since Tony was able to show up at the rec. consistently and make a 3.2 to 3.5 GPA he might have a brighter college future academically and on the court than many believe. The NBA will always have money to throw Mr. Mitchell's direction. More money than I'll ever make, so what's a few years in college for Tony to improve his BB skills. JJ and staff have done a great job making average player better. It will be interesting to see how much they can teach one of the, if not, the most gifted and talented player to ever step on UNT's campus.

[SCREAMING EAGLE-66]

Larry Johnson could not qualify to play at a division I school so he went to Odessa college... then to UNLV (National Champion with him) ... and finally to the NBA.

I teach at a community college and that is what a several of the athletes are... but they are often good, not really that bad academically, and go on to have a good college career. Some others were just overlooked for some reason. Spud Webb was very small.... and made the NBA by way of Midland College, and North Carolina State.

Hope this guy has the brains and drive to stay in college.... and does well.

Edited June 29, 2011 by SCREAMING EAGLE-66

[good_ken]

I'll bet Tony see's more than 1 semester of BB with UNT. His mother lives in Dallas and I'm sure she'd like to see her son stay in college a little more than 1 semester. Based on Tony's grades he's not stupid as some have speculated, hence their worry about Tony making his grades. Most students get pushed out of college because they're not smart enough to get good grades, or they don't have good time management skills, and that affects their grades in the long run. Since Tony was able to show up at the rec. consistently and make a 3.2 to 3.5 GPA he might have a brighter college future academically and on the court than many believe. The NBA will always have money to throw Mr. Mitchell's direction. More money than I'll ever make, so what's a few years in college for Tony to improve his BB skills. JJ and staff have done a great job making average player better. It will be interesting to see how much they can teach one of the, if not, the most gifted and talented player to ever step on UNT's campus.

Yall are confusing leaving UNT early with academic performance. But it's not. I don't believe that UNT offers a degree where he could land a guaranteed multi-million dollar contract.

Economics, plain and simple.

If UNT can help him improve his draft stock; then he will stay longer (still economics). Once he hits the point of diminishing returns (by staying); then he will leave. Still economics.

[Army of Dad]

Yall are confusing leaving UNT early with academic performance. But it's not. I don't believe that UNT offers a degree where he could land a guaranteed multi-million dollar contract.

Economics, plain and simple.

If UNT can help him improve his draft stock; then he will stay longer (still economics). Once he hits the point of diminishing returns (by staying); then he will leave. Still economics.

Perhaps most importantly he is taking care of business in the classroom. As long as that continues his leaving early for the NBA (if/when that happens) will not hurt us on the APR score.

I love seeing a guy buckle down and get the work done instead of sitting around crying about how life dealt him a tough hand. Tony got hosed, but hasn't let it get to him. I can't wait to see him in green this winter!