Nation’s 4th-leading rebounder Frank Mitchell commits to Gophers

After officially visiting earlier this week, Canisius big man Frank Mitchell became the first transfer to commit to the Gophers this offseason. Last season for the Griffins he averaged 12.1 points and a nation’s 4th-best 11.6 rebounds per game. In 2021-22, he started his college career at Humber College, a CCAA school in his hometown of Toronto. He was an incredibly impressive rebounder at that level too, averaging 18.0 boards per game. He was forced to sit out the 2022-23 season, due to transfer rules, and last year was his first playing at Canisius.

Listed at 6-foot-8, 240 pounds, Mitchell has a very comparable size to former Minnesota big man Pharrel Payne and could realistically be a replacement in that role. Any Gophers fan would’ve obviously enjoyed seeing Payne in the system for one more season, but adding Mitchell is a great start for Ben Johnson and his staff. He has improved every single season that he’s played college basketball. He had 12 points and 9 rebounds in each of his only two games last season vs. major conference teams Pittsburgh and Syracuse.

These are the types of players from the transfer portal that can transform. Whatever level you’re playing at, averaging 11.6 rebounds per game in D1 basketball in an incredibly impressive feat.

What’s Next?

I am under the understanding that Mitchell will have two seasons of eligibility remaining when he arrives to Dinkytown. His addition gives the Gophers at least six available scholarships for the 2024-25 season. Froncrout depth was a huge need for Minnesota and Mitchell is a great place to start. I don’t think we have seen Frank Mitchell play his best basketball and this is a MASSIVE addition for Ben Johnson and his Gophers’ staff.

Projected Depth Chart:

• G: Elijah Hawkins/Isaac Asuma
• G: Mike Mitchell Jr.
• F: Kadyn Betts/Grayson Grove
• F: Dawson Garcia
• C: Frank Mitchell/Parker Fox
  • *Walk-on(s): Erick Reader