#OTRHoopsReport: In Focus with Devin Mitchell – October 14, 2013

Editor’s Note: “In Focus” is a regular piece designed to give readers an in depth view of notable basketball players from around the country.

By: @JLHemingwayPSB

Devin Mitchell, a four-star prospect as rated by ESPN.com, gave his verbal commitment to the University of Alabama in August of this year. Mitchell will bring his shooting ability to Tuscaloosa and will look to give an immediate contribution to coach Anthony Grant in the fall of 2014. Not one player on this year’s Alabama roster shot over 40% from beyond the arc last season. Mitchell will look to change that when he suits up to play in Coleman Coliseum his freshman year.
Mitchell told OntheRadarHoops.com that he is thrilled for the opportunity to play for Coach Grant.
“I am excited to be committed to the University of Alabama,” Mitchell said. “It was a long recruiting process, but I am happy to have put all of that behind me and focus on my senior year at Collins Hill.”

Mitchell pointed to the connection with the staff in Tuscaloosa as one of the key reason why he picked the Crimson Tide over other schools like the University of Georgia, Ole Miss, Kansas State amongst others. “I really developed a good relationship with Coach Grant and his staff over time. They made me feel at home and really sold me on the role that I could play there.”

However, it would a couple of summer teammates that might have sealed the commitment for Mitchell to the Crimson Tide. “When I found out that my point guard from the Georgia Stars, Justin Coleman, had committed…that made my decision easier to make,” Mitchell added. “Having him and Riley Norris already there just made it a place where I wanted to be.”

When asked about his future, Mitchell talked about individual and team goals for the upcoming season.
“I lead the county (Gwinnett) in scoring last season and I would like to do that again,” Mitchell said. “But really we just want to go farther in the state tournament than we did last year. We have a sour taste in our mouth from being knocked out in the first round.” Mitchell will be joined by 6-foot-9 post player John Carlos-Reyes in the Eagles quest to march deep into the post season.
The 6-4 guard knows what challenges are in front of him when it comes to the next level.

“I know I have to get bigger to be prepared for the physicality of the college game,” Mitchell said. He added, “If I want to contribute early, I know I have to get into the weight room.”

As we saw firsthand at the Fall Showcase in September, Mitchell is poised for another outstanding high school season. His ability to shoot the basketball both off the catch and off the dribble make him an early shooting option for Anthony Grant in Tuscaloosa.

***See what play CoachHemi.com says would fit Devin Mitchell: 1-4 High Flare***

Prospect Evaluation/Exposure Options

***Designed for DII, III, NAIA & JUCO exposure. These events average 25 to 30 schools on hand to watch the showcase participants.

OnTheRadarHoops Spring Showcase (March 22)
OnTheRadarHoops Fall Showcase (Sept.)

Elite Basketball Academy Series

***Designed for evaluation purposes, these are great opportunities for upperclassmen and underclassmen alike to get valuable game broadcasts that can be sent to college coaches with a single email message. For underclassmen, it also serves as the gateway for prospects with remaining high school eligibility to play in front of the OnTheRadarHoops.com staff.

March 9th – EBA Top 40 Spring Workout
March 15th – CoachHemi.com Showcase

Jonathan HemingwayJonathan Hemingway is a National Evaluator for the OTRHoopsReport. He is also the owner of Coach Hemingway Basketball. He has been involved in the community since 1996 as a coach, camp director and evaluator. You can reach him via email at JonathanHemingway@PeachStateBasketball.com and follow him on twitter @JLHemingwayPSB


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