Taking Diverging Paths Best Way for Mitchells to Travel Same Road in Pros

Brothers may still leave to go to another school together, but now is best time to split if dream is the same

Author:
Kent Smith
Publish date:
Apr 8, 2023 10:54 AM EDT

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – It was a discussion throughout the week leading up to Arkansas reserve center Makhel Mitchell's departure.

It was obvious by the names popping up in the Razorbacks' transfer portal contact list that either one or both of the Mitchell twins would soon depart Fayetteville. However, the question was whether both will leave.

From an analytical standpoint, as difficult as it might be, it makes more sense for Makhel and his brother Makhi to split up.

Much like they are visually the same, their games are pretty much of a clone of each other also, and that's where the beautiful magic of being twins comes to a screeching halt.

The only discernible difference between the two is Mahki has slightly better footwork on the offensive end. Other than that, from a basketball standpoint, they are the same player.

Basketball is a game of complementary skills, so having two players with the exact same strengths, weaknesses and size is rarely the best fit when it comes to winning. It makes it too easy for opponents to shut down or attack a single aspect of the game and exploit their way to victory.

That's why, even in games where Arkansas needed to play with a bigger line-up, head coach Eric Musselman rarely played both twins at the same time. It's also why, no matter where they go, it's unlikely they will get to dominate on the court together like they dreamed.

The only places where that might happen would be a detriment to the development of Makhi, who has found a solid role with the Razorbacks. If he can develop an on-court mean streak and a level of assertiveness, there might be a role for him as an NBA journeyman or in Europe.

The best place to continue to grow is with Arkansas. However, as his twin has clearly ascertained by entering the portal, Makhel's best chance to be perceived in the same vein is somewhere else.

But, there's a caveat that needs to be added to the end of that sentence.

Away from his brother, Makhi.

That's a huge ask. If there are nights Makhi and Makhel haven't closed their eyes to rest in the same building, they are few and very far between. However, if they dream of a future in basketball, it's almost certainly going to be on different teams and likely in different leagues.

If they spend this last season of college basketball together at the same school, it could hurt their chances of getting drafted. An executive looking at twins and realizing they have never had to go through the emotional adjustment of being on their own will be leery of drafting one while knowing the other will be living somewhere else for the first time.

The adjustment to living life as a professional athlete is difficult enough without adding a case of the first time away from home issues. And, yes, while the Mitchells have been out of their family's house their entire life, they are one another's home.

Getting a year on their own under their belts in the safe confines of college basketball in a manner that can be controlled by choice is a much easier adjustment than having life thrust it upon someone who's never been alone.

Whether controlled separation for personal growth is the choice being made won't be known until the transfer window closes. However, there's a hint that it's at least being considered.

When the Mitchells left Rhode Island, they declared on the same day. It was a clear package deal and Musselman swept in to scoop them up. But, these are different circumstances.

It's easier to leave Rhode Island with your brother. There aren't players going pro left and right under a coach known for developing professional basketball players.

There also aren't many situations out there taking on two players of the same skill set, much less such specific situations with a chance to play in an environment like Bud Walton with Kentucky, Auburn, Alabama and Tennessee's environments on the list multiple times also.

It's a lot from which to walk away. As a result, if there's a time to make an individual choice, this is it.

No matter how hard that might be.