Former Missouri, Duke starting forward Mark Mitchell transfers to Kentucky for disputed 5th season

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Mark Mitchell, a former Missouri and Duke starting forward who played 133 games over the past four years, has transferred to Kentucky for a fifth season of basketball. His agent, Brandon Mitchell, confirmed the move on Sunday, noting that Mitchell informed the Wildcats of his decision on Saturday. The 6-foot-9 forward, who scored 18.3 points for the Tigers last season as a two-time All-SEC player, had signed a contract with the Denver Nuggets, which was not guaranteed.

Mitchell, along with numerous college athletes who graduated in 2022, may have a chance to play a fifth season after filing state-court lawsuits. They are not covered by the NCAA's new rule, which took effect in June, granting most Division I athletes five years of eligibility, but does not apply to this situation.