NBA Charge Duke Forward Mark Mitchell $90.5 Million under suspension for breaking the rules during… See more…
However, as the No. 4 seed Blue Devils gear up for their Sweet 16 showdown against No. 1 seed Houston in Dallas at 9:39 p.m. ET Friday, one could argue that consistency as a scorer is Mitchell’s only noticeable weakness.
For a player who averages 12.1 points and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 54.1 percent from the field, he seems a little reluctant to take over games sometimes.
Mitchell’s 62.6 free throw percentage may have something to do with that. Plus, his unorthodox jumper has drawn criticism from some.
But when that shot is on, it’s something a defense can’t ignore.
Earlier this campaign, he seemed to hover around the arc when teams would double 7-footer Kyle Filipowski.
That’s no longer the case, though, as the 6-foot-9 Mitchell is now more often using the space to slash and help out on rebounds. Considering that Duke is 18-3 this season and 33-4 over the past two seasons when he scores 10 or more points, his shift in mentality on offense is crucial.
“Anytime you have five guys on the court that are a threat to score at all times, it’s a lot different than
what other teams have seen,” Mitchell said in the locker room following the team’s practice in the American Airlines Center on Thursday afternoon. “Our shooting and our cutting, I don’t think anyone has an offense as dynamic as us in the country.”
Houston’s guards may be the best unit in the nation. And while the Duke basketball backcourt has a tall task ahead, the Blue Devils’ frontcourt has a chance to go out and dominate.
With a clear height advantage on the inside, both of second-year head coach Jon Scheyer’s starting bigs could be the difference-makers.
And with “Flip” likely drawing doubles most of the night, it’ll be up to Mark Mitchell to set the tone and be the X factor he’s been his entire Duke career.
