Maryland Men's Basketball lose Mitchell twins to transfer portal
After 12 games with the 10-2 Maryland Terrapins, Makhi and Makhel Mitchell have decided to enter the transfer portal.
“I want to thank Makhel and Makhi for their contributions to the program,” Mark Turgeon said in a statement Friday night. “This was a decision we felt was best for both sides and we them and their family the very best moving forward.”
Both Mitchell twins were top three recruits from Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, DC in 2019. Makhi Mitchell was rated a four-star center and was ranked the No. 2 recruit from the nation's capital. Makhel Mitchell was a three-star power forward that was ranked the No. 3 recruit from DC, right behind his brother.
The 6-foot-10 freshmans were a key part of the Terrapins' rotation this season. Makhi Mitchell averaged 9.3 minutes, 3.0 points, and 3.3 rebounds per game. Makhel averaged 6.8 minutes, 1.0 point, and 2.3 rebounds per game.
Though the twins were important players to the Terrapins, they did not have quite the impact that Mark Turgeon expected out of them.
With them gone, the spotlight will be even brighter on starting forward Jalen "Stix" Smith to step up his game. As depth, the Terrapins are left with 7-foot-2 center Chol Marial, who has been active but has not received any playing time. He is the only other player on the roster that stands at 6-foot-10 or taller.
Though Marial will have big shoes to fill, the departure of the Mitchell twins should give him the minutes he has been waiting for. Smith will need to establish some consistency to his game, after many disappointing first half showings through the first 12 games of the season.
