One of the top basketball prospects in the Class of 2022 committed to Duke on Friday, as five-star small forward Mark Mitchell chose the Blue Devils over UCLA and Missouri in a ceremony broadcast live on CBS Sports HQ. The commitment of Mitchell is just the latest reminder that the program will remain a destination for top talent under future coach Jon Scheyer following the retirement of Mike Krzyzewski after this season.
With Mitchell’s commitment, Duke now has four of the top 11 prospects from the Class of 2022 committed, according to the 247Sports rankings. The class was already ranked No. 1 nationally before Mitchell’s commitment, and his decision gives the Blue Devils an even greater lead on this behind it.
Mitchell is ranked the No. 10 prospect in the class by 247Sports and is the fourth five-star talent to commit to Duke from the 2022 class amid the program’s transition from Krzyzewski to Scheyer as coach. He joins No. 1 overall prospect Dereck Lively II, No. 3 overall prospect Dariq Whitehead, No. 11 overall prospect Kyle Filipowski and No. 55 overall prospect Jaden Schutt in the class.
Mitchell entered his announcement as the second-highest ranked uncommitted of the class. At 6-foot-8, he projects to be a versatile wing at the next level. Mitchell is originally from Kansas City, Kansas, but is playing for basketball powerhouse Sunrise Christian in Wichita this season. Here is the full evaluation of Mitchell’s skill set from 247Sports director of scouting Jerry Meyer:
Has a quality physical build for a combo forward. Has long arms, plays with a motor, and is a terrific two foot jumper. Has functional athleticism. Explosive in a crowd. Does most of his damage around the basket as a slasher, post up player and rebounder. Can stretch the defense with three-point range but isn’t a strength. Can switch direction on the drive and can attack and finish with either hand as a natural lefty. Solid and versatile defender. Tough on the boards. Not known as a playmaker for others but does have a feel for the game. Fits the mold of the athletic and versatile combo forward.
