Kentucky lands West Virginia transfer Mitchell

• Jeff Borzello, ESPN Staff WriterJun 26, 2023, 02:49 PM ET

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  • Basketball recruiting insider.
  • Joined ESPN in 2014.
  • Graduate of University of Delaware.Kentucky has landed

a commitment from West Virginia transfer Tre Mitchell, simply days after he went into the portal following Bob Huggins’ resignation as men’s basketball coach.The Wildcats were the excessive favorite for Mitchell as quickly as he went into the portal Friday morning, right away bringing him on school this previous weekend for a visit.The school formally revealed his finalizing early Monday afternoon, with coach John Calipari tweeting about Mitchell’s arrival.Editor’s Picks 2 Associated”Tre is from Pittsburgh and I’ve understood him for

years,”Calipari wrote.”This was a distinct scenario, however as soon as he put his name in the portal, he was a player I understood we required to pursue. He brings leadership, experience, size and adaptability and is a terrific fit for what we wish to do. I understand this is a win for us and I believe this will be a win for him too. We are excited to have him as a part of our program.”Mitchell also announced his decision via social media.”Mountaineers !! I can’t thank you enough for the

love and support you have actually shown,” he composed. “You people are really one of

a kind. I have a dream and I have the chance to live it out. I have actually got ta consider my future and guarantee myself the very best chance to follow that dream. I understand you men will understand, if not today then you will one day. WVU will always hold an unique place in my heart but it’s time to bank on myself.”Kentucky will be the fourth school for Mitchell, who started his profession at UMass for two seasons before moving to Texas and then West Virginia. The 6-foot-9 big guy began 32 games for the Mountaineers last season, balancing 11.7 points and 5.5 rebounds. With Oscar Tshiebwe leaving for the NBA and freshman star Aaron Bradshaw’s offseason injury problems, the Wildcats required a skilled frontcourt player who could start immediately. Mitchell fits that mold.His arrival is Calipari’s 2nd huge success story in the past week, after guard Antonio Reeves decided to go back to Lexington instead of going into the portal. Reeves balanced 14.4 points last season for Kentucky.

He and Mitchell give the Wildcats 2 proven college producers in the lineup to accompany the country’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class.Mitchell was among three West Virginia players to go into the portal last week as the school’s search for Huggins’ replacement dragged on without a resolution. The Mountaineers revealed Saturday that assistant coach Josh Eilert would be the interim coach for the 2023-24 season. Following Eilert’s promotion, Kerr Kriisa announced he was withdrawing from the website and returning to Morgantown. Guard Joe Toussaint stays in the website, with Kansas State, Texas Tech and Alabama among the schools in pursuit; he’s also thinking about a go back to West Virginia. Reserve forward Mohamed Wague got in the portal Monday morning.