UNT Part V (the Mitchell factor)

Harry · March 16, 2013

We have looked at the plight of the UNT basketball program over the last few days as it comes off a disappointing season before heading to Conference USA. Weve examined the seniors who will be gone next year, the players who will return, the recruits who are supposed to arrive in the fall and the move to a new league.

And now for the elephant in the room: Will Tony Mitchell return?

Ive talked to a few people over the last few days about it, and my guess is that he is going to declare for the draft after considering his options over the next few days.

Mitchell had a tremendous freshman season averaging 14.7 points and 10.3 rebounds a game while blocking 70 shots. He came very close to declaring for the draft, but decided to return to UNT for another season, largely to mature as a person and a player.

Read more: http://meangreenblog.dentonrc.com/

emmitt01 · March 16, 2013

"What will be scary for UNT is if he does leave for the NBA. No matter how one looks at it, Mitchell was remarkably productive last season. He set the school record for blocked shots in a season, ranked fourth in the league in rebounding and 13th in scoring."

Just wanted to point out this portion. Hope everyone reads it several times.

Greendylan · March 16, 2013

"What will be scary for UNT is if he does leave for the NBA. No matter how one looks at it, Mitchell was remarkably productive last season. He set the school record for blocked shots in a season, ranked fourth in the league in rebounding and 13th in scoring."
Just wanted to point out this portion. Hope everyone reads it several times.

This is what troubles me the most about moving forward with Benford. Mitchell is as good as gone. So, even if, by some miracle, our coaching staff suddenly figures things out over the course of the next several months, we still will finish with fewer wins next year. I just don't see any realistic way to expect even the same performance as this season.

UNT90 · March 16, 2013

Increased competition + decreased talent= less wins.

Kinda amazing that people can't do this simple math.

GrandGreen · March 16, 2013

It is fairly safe to say that Mitchell will declare for the draft. The question is will he do it without an agent and test the waters to determine his value. If he goes that route, he can withdraw if the demand doesn't look that promising.

I think NT has seen the last of Mitchell, but there is even a better argument this year than last that he could benefit from another year of college competition. The money will be there but judging from last year, that is not big motivation for him. He really lost millions with his lackluster play and even worse court demeanor.

GrandGreen · March 16, 2013

Increased competition + decreased talent= less wins.
Kinda amazing that people can't do this simple math.

Kinda like last year. Down Belt + increased talent = a lot more wins

Although I don't expect it with Benford at the helm, there is a good chance NT will be significantly better than this year. Talent was not the problem this year and certainly it could be next year with no proven front court players. However, team chemistry and coaching was so bad that odds are that it can't get any worse even without a coaching change.

As long as Jordan Williams and Chris Jones stay on the team, there is talent to built around. In fact, I think NT could be a pretty good team with a coaching change or a miraculously turnaround by Benford. Assuming at least a couple of the big guys are at least average players.

Army of Dad · March 16, 2013

Kinda like last year. Down Belt + increased talent = a lot more wins

Although I don't expect it with Benford at the helm, there is a good chance NT will be significantly better than this year. Talent was not the problem this year and certainly it could be next year with no proven front court players. However, team chemistry and coaching was so bad that odds are that it can't get any worse even without a coaching change.

As long as Jordan Williams and Chris Jones stay on the team, there is talent to built around. In fact, I think NT could be a pretty good team with a coaching change or a miraculously turnaround by Benford. Assuming at least a couple of the big guys are at least average players.

That's a bold assumption, especially if you consider the last big brought in by bumford. He was the most improved player according to the coach, but never earned a spot in the floor. What are the chances bumford is able coach up the next big(s) that come to UNT?