Duke Forward Mark Mitchell to Enter CBB Transfer Portal; Former 5-Star Recruit

Forward Mark Mitchell will enter the NCAA transfer portal after two seasons as a starter for Duke, On3's Joe Tipton reported.

The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 11.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game for the Blue Devils last season.

He also averaged 0.8 steals and 0.7 blocks, while allowing 1.2 turnovers, per game.

Formerly ranked as a five-star recruit by 247Sports, Mitchell started 67 games for Duke over two seasons.

Mitchell's exit will further thin out the Duke frontcourt. The Blue Devils are losing Christian Reeves to the transfer portal, Ryan Young to eligibility and Kyle Filipowski to the NBA draft.

The program has been preparing for these roster losses "for months," according to Adam Rowe of 247Sports.

Mitchell confirmed the news of his transfer in an Instagram post.

"I'm excited," Mitchell told Eric Bossi of 247Sports. "I loved my time at Duke but I just wanted something new."

The forward's offensive production flagged during Duke's run to the NCAA tournament Elite Eight. Mitchell was held to just two points against James Madison and Houston, then finished out his Duke career with six points in an Elite Eight loss to NC State.

The Blue Devils may have been anticipating Mitchell's departure due to the arrival of Cooper Flagg, a five-star prospect ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the country by 247Sports.

Flagg is already projected as the potential No. 1 pick of the 2025 NBA draft and is likely to be taking over a spot in Duke's starting five next season, potentially leading to a decrease in minutes for Mitchell.

Mitchell's departure could allow for a larger role for Sean Stewart during his sophomore campaign. Stewart played limited minutes as a reserve last season but shone when given the opportunity. He logged 12 points, three blocks and two steals while playing a season-high 26 minutes against NC State at the tail end of the regular season.

Mitchell could be looking for a program where he will be able to slot in as a starter as he looks to hone his offensive game next season.

Mitchell previously made official visits to UCLA, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma State during his high school recruiting process, per 247Sports. He is originally from Kansas City.