Vicky Graff Photo
Remember when John Calipari said after Kentucky’s loss to Tennessee that UK had to “figure out” what was wrong with Tre Mitchell after he played a season-low 24 minutes, did not score and had only five rebounds. Some tried to speculate that Mitchell suffered a back injury before UK’s loss to Florida when he went 2-for-10 from the field but did have nine rebounds.
However, a reliable source told me after the Tennessee loss that Mitchell had been battling back pain for most of the SEC season and probably suffered the injury during Camp Cal — the time during the semester break when Calipari has no NCAA-mandated practice limits and the team often practices at least twice per day.
Mitchell has missed the last two games — a win at Vanderbilt and the loss to Gonzaga — and finally Monday the truth came out officially from UK assistant coach Orlando Antigua.
“Tre is a warrior. Tre’s been a warrior for us throughout the season and for a good majority of that time when he was playing, he was playing hurt,” Antigua said.
Mitchell was often getting two treatments daily — before and after practice — just so he could try and continue to play. That’s how big a competitor he is and how much he knows his value on this team is about more than just numbers because of his leadership.
Mitchell was the glue for UK. He was averaging 33.7 minutes per game when he had to finally sit out and played 34 or more minutes in 11 games. Three games he played 40 or more minutes.
His high minutes were necessary early because of the unavailability of UK’s three 7-footers.
Mitchell’s back pain and missing the last two games are not the only reasons UK is 2-4 in the last six games but UK needs Mitchell’s steady, healthy presence because he makes everyone on the team better in some way.
“He was trying to impact the team with his will,” Antigua said. “And you could see his experience, his veteran-ship, and he’s one of our best rebounders out there, aside from being able to steady and calm everybody on the offensive end as well. So yeah, he’s a big piece that’s been missing.”
5 Responses
I like Mitchell’s effort and toughness. He’s a "been there, done that" player and that is exactly what these younger players need.
These "younger players" need to earn playing time, not be granted it because someone believes they are prime to get a first round (or even second round) NBA draft pick.
The whole problem starts from the fraud’s prioritization of the path through UK to the NBA over winning championships while at UK.
I think we were a better team when we played small ball. With Mitchell at the 5. Now that are 7 footers are all playing our team has went downhill ever since. Why not have a starting 5 of Wagner Reeves Sheppard Thiero and Mitchell. Then have Dillingham be the 6th man Edwards would give the 3 a break and you could put in two 7 footer lineups for 4-5 minute spurts.
Terry, I agree go back to small ball.
With you Terry. Bring back small ball if Tre is healthy