From Blue Devil to Tiger Sharpshooter: Mitchell Eyes Big Leap in Percent Clip from Three as Jon Scheyer’s Duke Program Achieves Rare Milestone — Zero Scholarship Players Lost to Transfer Portal
In a college basketball era dominated by transfer portal chaos and roster upheavals, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer just pulled off what has become a near-impossible feat: keeping his entire scholarship roster intact heading into the 2025-26 season.
After losing seven players to the portal the previous year — including highly touted forward Mark Mitchell, who transferred out in 2024 — Scheyer and his staff have rebounded with a historic offseason, locking in complete roster stability amid a climate where continuity is a rare commodity.
Meanwhile, former Blue Devil Mark Mitchell is charting a new course at LSU, with big goals in mind. Now donning the purple and gold, Mitchell is setting his sights on a major improvement in one crucial area of his game: his three-point shooting percentage.
A New Start, A New Sharpshooter?
After an up-and-down shooting career at Duke, Mitchell is embracing his fresh start under LSU head coach Matt McMahon. Known for developing versatile forwards and emphasizing perimeter play, McMahon’s system could be just what Mitchell needs to unlock the next level of his potential.
Mitchell, a 6-foot-9 athletic wing with NBA aspirations, showed flashes of perimeter ability during his time in Durham but struggled with consistency from deep, shooting just 29% from three-point range last season.
In recent interviews, Mitchell has made it clear: improving that percentage is at the very top of his checklist.
“I’ve been living in the gym,” Mitchell said after an offseason workout session. “Working on mechanics, shot selection, confidence — everything. I want to be that guy who stretches the floor and keeps defenses honest. LSU is giving me the green light to grow into that role.”
A Rare Portal Victory for Duke
While Mitchell is working to elevate his game in Baton Rouge, the Blue Devils are celebrating a massive offseason win of their own. After a season in which college basketball saw record numbers of players enter the portal, Duke stands out as a beacon of stability.
Not a single scholarship player bolted Durham this time around, a major credit to Jon Scheyer’s evolving leadership style and Duke’s player-first culture.
“It’s a testament to the relationships, the trust, and the shared vision we have here,” Scheyer said. “This group believes in what we’re building. They believe in each other. And they believe that Duke is the best place for them to grow — both as players and as people.”
The importance of roster continuity cannot be overstated in today’s NCAA landscape, where even elite programs like Kentucky, Kansas, and North Carolina have suffered heavy portal losses year after year.
What’s Next for Mitchell and Duke?
For Mitchell, the road ahead is filled with opportunity. If he can truly improve his three-point shooting and showcase his versatility at LSU, his draft stock could rise dramatically. Scouts already rave about his defensive instincts, athleticism, and size — now, it’s about rounding out his offensive game.
For Duke, the future looks equally bright. Returning stars, incoming freshmen, and an unbreakable team chemistry could position the Blue Devils as a serious national championship contender once again.
A Story of Evolution
Ultimately, Mitchell’s journey from Blue Devil to Tiger — and Duke’s journey toward rare roster loyalty — both tell a story of evolution in a fast-changing basketball world.
Mitchell is betting on himself to become a complete offensive weapon at LSU.
Duke is betting on unity, patience, and player development to restore its place at the pinnacle of college hoops.
And if both bets hit, we may be witnessing the making of two great comeback stories
— just unfolding on different stages.
