Mark Mitchell’s path back to college basketball remains uncertain, but an old video has given Kentucky fans another reason to keep an eye on his situation.
The former Missouri standout was denied a temporary restraining order or injunction Friday that would have immediately allowed him to enter the transfer portal. Instead, Judge Brian Edwards asked both sides to submit additional written arguments by Tuesday, August 18, with a final decision expected toward the end of next week.
While Kentucky waits to see whether Mitchell can legally enter the portal, an old clip resurfaced that shows the forward has apparently had plenty of admiration for the Wildcats for years.
In the video, a younger Mitchell was asked about Kansas and didn’t hold back.
“I don’t like KU much. I feel like they’re overrated,” Mitchell said. “Kentucky’s the best.”
That comment is particularly interesting given Mitchell’s background. The Kansas City native eventually became a highly regarded recruit in the 2022 class, signed with Duke and later transferred to Missouri, where he spent the past two seasons.
Mitchell also had three opportunities to play against Kansas during his college career.
His first matchup came while he was at Duke in the 2022 Champions Classic. Mitchell played 30 minutes, scoring seven points and grabbing five rebounds in a 69-64 Kansas victory.
He later faced the Jayhawks twice while at Missouri. In December 2024, Mitchell recorded 17 points, four rebounds and three blocks as Missouri defeated Kansas 76-67.
A year later, he delivered an even bigger performance, posting 21 points and seven rebounds in Missouri’s matchup with Kansas.
There could potentially be another chapter to that rivalry if Mitchell receives permission to enter the transfer portal. Kentucky is scheduled to face Kansas in the Champions Classic later this year, meaning Mitchell could potentially find himself on the opposite side of the rivalry he once criticized.
More importantly for Kentucky, Mitchell would bring significant production to Mark Pope’s frontcourt.
The 6-foot-9 left-handed forward averaged 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 33.8 minutes per game last season while shooting 54.7% from the field, 38.8% from three-point range and 66.9% from the free-throw line.
He also ranked among the nation’s leaders in free-throw rate and finished 11th in the SEC in assist rate, highlighting his ability to create opportunities rather than simply finish plays.
That combination could make Mitchell an intriguing fit in Pope’s offensive system. His ability to operate from the high post, attack mismatches and create for teammates would give Kentucky another experienced offensive creator.
For a Wildcats team already generating plenty of excitement heading into the 2026-27 season, adding a proven two-time All-SEC performer could raise the ceiling considerably.
But there is still one major obstacle.
Mitchell first needs to win his legal battle and gain the ability to enter the transfer portal.
For now, Kentucky fans can only wait.
And if that old video is any indication, Mitchell may have been a Kentucky fan long before the possibility of becoming a Wildcat ever became real.
