Mark Mitchell needs to hunt rebounds this season for Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats

Mark Mitchell being dominant on the glass would be huge for Kentucky.

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

Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats made a splash addition to the 2026-27 Kentucky roster as they landed Missouri transfer Mark Mitchell. After the addition of Mitchell, all of Big Blue Nation is excited and believes that he will take this team to a level where Pope has a true national title contender. He is a player who averaged 18.3 points per game in the SEC last season, so we know he can score.

I am not worried about Mitchell's scoring. The area that I really want to see him take a step this season is on the glass. When the debate for Kentucky was between Jaxon Kohler and Mitchell, the reason some leaned Kohler was what he brought on the glass. He averaged 8.9 boards per game in the Big Ten last season, and fans are worried about Kentucky's rebounding.

Mar 19, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Mark Mitchell (25) drives to the basket 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

During his final season at Missouri, Mitchell averaged 5.2 rebounds per game. The best season he had on the glass was his second season at Duke, where he averaged six rebounds per game. Big Blue Nation would love to see Mitchell average between six and seven rebounds this season. I think that he is going to be able to get it done.

I believe that Coach Pope more than likely had a conversation with Mitchell about how he needs to help this team on the glass. Mitchell is listed at 6'9 ", 230 pounds; he is one of the most physical players in the SEC, and he needs to use this physicality to help on the glass.

Feb 21, 2026; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Mark Mitchell arms up prior to the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The two top rebounders for the Wildcats this season will be Mitchell and Malachi Moreno. Zoom Diallo is a good rebounder for a guard, but aside from this, there won't be a ton of help on the glass. It doesn't matter how good a team is on offense in the SEC if they aren't good on the glass. This team has to take pride in dominating on the glass, and Mitchell is going to have to help.

The Wildcats are going to be a very good team on offense, but the question marks on the defensive end of the floor and the glass are going to be there. BBN believes that Mitchell can help the Wildcats with these issues, and if he does, it would be super valuable. This Kentucky team is going to be elite, and Mitchell is going to be a big reason why.

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