What Tre Mitchell's Return Means for West Virginia

West Virginia fans had high expectations for Texas transfer Tre Mitchell and it's safe to say he delivered, for the most part, in year one of the program. Mitchell was dominant in non-conference play and was the team's leading scorer in the early portion of Big 12 play. He hit a little bit of a wall midway through the season as the team got deeper into the gauntlet, but he still managed to produce quality minutes.

Despite averaging 11.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game this past season, Mitchell still has a lot of room to grow his game and become a legitimate NBA prospect. Hence the decision to return to Morgantown for an extra year.

So, what exactly does Mitchell's return mean for the Mountaineers?

Well, let's start with the obvious. He allows WVU to stretch the floor on the offensive end with his ability to step out and hit threes and deep jumpers with consistency. He's got a smooth touch and with another offseason in the system, he'll feel more confident in his role and will be able to direct things underneath.

To me, that's the one underrated part of his game. When he's not sped up, he's a terrific passer and playmaker. Just look at these three plays, for example.

Note: The second video on the third embedded tweet.

#WVU/TCU Film Breakdown (1/5)

Tre Mitchell slips behind Jimmy Bell, comes back through, dumps his man off forcing a switch and a mismatch for Jimmy in the paint. Oh yeah, and the Tre wraparound pass makes another appearance. pic.twitter.com/NOW1dXYXhJ
— Schuyler Callihan (@Callihan_) January 19, 2023

#WVU/Texas Film Breakdown (1/6)

I’ll continue to say it…Seth Wilson will be a factor for this team. Here, Tre Mitchell does a good job of swinging the ball to the other side with a skip pass, giving Seth time to slip down the baseline and get the ball. Terrific handles/pass. pic.twitter.com/f08TmMXDMV
— Schuyler Callihan (@Callihan_) January 24, 2023

#WVU/OH film breakdown 2/4

Good things happen when you feed Tre Mitchell the ball. Doesn’t panic with the double team and make a beautiful wraparound pass to Mo Wague. He needs the ball more. Period. pic.twitter.com/XLoQmHgeNH
— Schuyler Callihan (@Callihan_) January 15, 2023

He sees the floor really well for a "big" setting up baskets regularly even though he may not get credited for the assist. Add Kerr Kriisa into the equation and it opens up a lot of things for WVU offensively with two willing and able passers at different areas of the floor.

Mitchell's experience at West Virginia, albeit one year, will help keep things together on the floor when adversity hits are when things become a little sloppy. If Jimmy Bell decides to move on, Mitchell will be the only returning member of the starting five. Expect the fifth-year senior to take on more of a leadership role next season, becoming someone guys lean on.

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