Despite Loss, Playing at Kentucky was Blessing for Tre Mitchell

Vicky Graff Photo

Tre Mitchell transferred to UK for his fifth year of college basketball to play for coach John Calipari and Kentucky, something he had always wanted to do.

He got off to a great start before midseason back and shoulder injuries sidelined him and limited his effectiveness. However, he was back in the starting lineup for Thursday night’s NCAA Tournament game against Oakland in Pittsburgh and responded with 14 points, 13 rebounds and two assists in 31 minutes before fouling out late in the season-ending 80-76 loss.

Mitchell was bitterly disappointed the season ended with an upset loss — remember Dick Vitale picked UK to win the national title this week — but not disappointed with his experience at Kentucky.

“It was an unbelievable opportunity for me. To get experience under coach Cal, pick his mind a little bit as far as how he sees the game and the players that he’s been around. And a special group of guys, man,” Mitchell said.

“Young guys, but unbelievably talented, and like Coach said, they have grown so much over the course of this season. And it’s March. IYou see what some teams are capable of doing.

“Obviously, it’s not the desired outcome, but you gotta live with what reality is for us, but I’ve enjoyed every single second of being at Kentucky. I got an opportunity to live out a dream, and I’ve built bonds with people that will last a lifetime.”

Mitchell was at West Virginia last season and the Mountaineers lost 67-65 to Maryland in the first round.

“Last year I was in tears, I was bumming. This time it’s like I have so many emotions going on that I can’t feel them. I’m just kind of numb right now, and I’m sure it’ll hit me, but this one hurts a lot,” Mitchell said. “You know, it hurts.

“ It’s obviously not the desired outcome, and you’re on the headlines of a Cinderella story when you know that we had the potential to make a really deep run in this thing.”

Mitchell emphasized he “loved every single second” of being at Kentucky despite this loss and the injuries he endured.

“I love these dudes, and I loved seeing them grow through the time that we had together. Like Antonio (Reeves) said, these are bonds that will last a lifetime,” Mitchell said.

“ If I run into these dudes down the road, whether you stop talking now, I feel like no matter how much time goes by between when you’re talking to somebody on this team, when you see them it’s going to be like there was no time apart.

“And I really did enjoy it thoroughly, just laughing, joking, competing with these guys every single day. It really was a blessing.”