Mark Mitchell has been granted a TRO: What does this mean for Mark Pope and Kentucky?

Kentucky is one step closer to landing former Missouri forward Mark Mitchell.

Jan 24, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Mark Mitchell (25) looks to pass against Oklahoma Sooners forward Mohamed Wague (5) during the second half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kentucky basketball fans were just shared some great news as Mark Mitchell was officially granted a TRO in the court ruling that took place in Louisville. This will give Mitchell a fifth year of eligibility and the ability to enter the transfer portal. Most fans expect Mitchell to soon announce his intention to hit the portal and a commitment to Kentucky to hopefully come soon after.

Knowing that Mitchell got involved in the Kentucky court ruling, it seems like there is no way he would do that and not end up in Lexington. I know fans are excited right now about the idea of Mitchell possibly joining this basketball team, but there are still some hurdles to jump through.

Mar 19, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Mark Mitchell (25) looks on during a practice session ahead of the first round of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Greg Sankey has picked this as a battle, but talking to a few different lawyers, they seem to think Mitchell is going to be able to suit up this season as long as he gets the TRO to be able to hit the transfer portal. Knowing that Mitchell now has this, he can hop in the portal, and Coach Mark Pope can get in contact with the former Missouri Tiger.

I expect things to move pretty quickly between Mitchell and Kentucky. It would not be one bit surprising if he was committed to Kentucky by the end of the weekend, and there is even a chance that he has picked the Wildcats by the end of the day today. Kentucky has a hole to fill at the four, and the addition of Mitchell would fill this.

Feb 21, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Mark Mitchell (25) shoots a free-throw during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Arkansas won 94-86. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It is scary to think how good the Wildcats will be this season if Mitchell does pick the Wildcats after hitting the transfer portal. He averaged 18.3 points per game last season for Missouri and would make an elite Kentucky offense even better. On the defensive end of the floor, Mitchell isn't elite, but he also isn't terrible. Kentucky, with the addition of Mitchell, would have a really good shot at having the best offense in all of college basketball.

Once again, fans need to slow their roll a little bit, as there is still a lot of work to do on the legal side, plus the Wildcats have to make sure they are able to land Mitchell. If this happens, Pope has himself a true national championship contender that will give Florida a run for its money atop the SEC.

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