Former Missouri star Mark Mitchell has committed to play for Kentucky after being granted the right to pursue a fifth year of eligibility, according to multiple reports.
Mitchell, who averaged 18.3 points per game last season, signed an Exhibit 10 contract to play for the Denver Nuggets’ summer league team after not being selected in the 2026 NBA Draft. Earlier this week, Mitchell entered his name in the transfer portal after being part of a temporary restraining order granted by a Kentucky judge.
The TRO also included former UCLA star Skyy Clark, who has committed to play for LSU. However, the NCAA has vowed to fight all federal and state cases filed by athletes seeking a fifth season, and Mitchell’s case could be appealed.
A ruling by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday granted the NCAA’s request to stay a Colorado ruling that had provided fifth-year eligibility to athletes from the 2022-23 high school class who played four consecutive seasons. However, dozens of athletes around the country have successfully petitioned for TROs in several states to play a fifth season.
If he is ultimately cleared to play, the 6-foot-9, 230-pound Mitchell would join a Kentucky roster that includes former Iowa State star Milan Momcilovic.
