Mizzou Forward Mark Mitchell Lands on Preseason All-SEC Team

Missouri's star returning forward earned some preseason recognition.

Feb. 12, 2025; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Mark Mitchell drives to the basket against the Oklahoma Sooners at Mizzou Arena. / Amber Winkler/Missouri On SI / Amber Winkler/Missouri On SI | Amber Winkler/Missouri On SI

Missouri Tigers forward Mark Mitchell was selected to the preseason All-SEC Coaches second team, per a release from the Southeastern Conference.

Mitchell averaged 13.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game last season in his first year with the Tigers. He also shot 50.5% from the field, 26% from the perimeter and 67% from the free-throw line.

The 6-foot-9 versatile forward quickly became one of Missouri's best players last season. He led the team in scoring, finding himself ahead of players like sharpshooter Caleb Grill and now NBA-bound Tamar Bates. Mitchell also led the Tigers in blocks per game with 0.9.

Missouri head coach Dennis Gates has high expectations for his returning junior forward, who transferred into the program from Duke two offseasons ago.

"I want to see Mark Mitchell rebound a little bit more from an analytical standpoint because I do think that will help his future in basketball," Gates said at SEC Media Day.  "The other thing is, continue to be the unselfish spirit, the great leader that I think he can be on and off the court." 

Gates wants Mitchell to become more of a complete player this season for the Tigers. Gates believes that there's still a lot of growth that Mitchell can show in his final collegiate season.

"My expectations is that Mark Mitchell will become more of an aggressive player," Gates said. "We all saw a shell of him [last year]."

Mitchell brings a lot to the Missouri offense and was a part of a group last year that improved while scoring the ball in a drastic way. The offensive efficiency of the Tigers was much improved compared to the year before, mainly in part due to the personnel and the way they played together.

"What I'm looking at is how our guys were able to galvanize our system and do it repeatedly regardless of what was in front of them in whatever environment," Gates said. "We had some great wins, three of 'em against top-five opponents. Our SEC Conference, our SEC schedule, is bar none the best in the country."

Here's a look at the rest of the preseason all SEC teams.

First Team

Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama
Tahaad Pettiford, Auburn
Alex Condon, Florida
Otega Oweh, Kentucky
Josh Hubbard, Mississippi State

Second Team

Boogie Fland, Florida
Malik Dia, Ole Miss
Mark Mitchell, Missouri
Nate Ament, Tennessee
Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee

Third Team

Aden Holloway, Alabama
Darius Acuff Jr, Arkansas
Karter Knox, Arkansas
D.J. Wagner, Arkansas
Thomas Haugh, Florida

Preseason Player of the Year

Otega Oweh, Kentucky