In a surprising announcement, Duke University's basketball team is bidding farewell to sophomore forward Mark Mitchell, who has entered the transfer portal. This news comes as a blow to the Blue Devils, as they will now have to fill a 6-foot-9 hole in their starting lineup next season.

Mitchell, originally from Kansas City, Kansas, had played a crucial role for Duke in the past two seasons. As a starter in 67 games, he showcased his prowess as an on-ball defender, often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best forward. Mitchell's defensive skills were highly valued by the team.

His offensive contributions were equally notable, as Mitchell averaged 11.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in the previous season. These impressive figures placed him fourth and second on the team, respectively. Mitchell had several standout performances, scoring at least 20 points on five occasions. Notably, he recorded his highest-scoring games against Notre Dame and Wake Forest.

One of his memorable offensive displays came against Notre Dame when Mitchell scored an incredible 16 consecutive points for the Blue Devils. Additionally, he exhibited his defensive prowess by registering three steals in Duke's second-round NCAA tournament victory over James Madison.

While Mitchell faced some challenges with his 3-point shooting consistency, shooting just 27.5% from behind the arc, he compensated with his ability to attack the rim against less athletically gifted teams. His determined drives to the basket were a key component of his offensive game.

Having been thrust into the starting lineup as a freshman due to a teammate's injury, Mitchell quickly proved his worth. He made an impact in the season opener against Jacksonville, where he scored 18 points, and maintained his starting position throughout the year, with the exception of a missed game due to injury.

Head coach Jon Scheyer, who recently took over the reins of the program, will now have to adapt to Mitchell's departure. While Duke has an impressive recruiting class joining the team next season, Scheyer may seek an experienced wing defender through the transfer portal to fill the void left by Mitchell's departure.

The loss of Mitchell underscores the challenges faced by collegiate basketball teams as they navigate player transfers and roster changes. Time will tell how Duke University addresses this setback and the impact it will have on their upcoming season.