Tre Mitchell: 'I've enjoyed every single second of being at Kentucky'

Tre Mitchell is thankful for the memories he made during his brief time at Kentucky. Although it ended earlier than he expected with a first-round NCAA Tournament upset to Oakland, he still feels like he learned a lot playing in Lexington.

Mitchell gave his all in the loss coming away with a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds. Unfortunately, it was enough to overcome an incredible effort from Grizzlies guard Jack Gohlke, who poured in 32 points on 10-of-20 from 3-point range.

Speaking postgame, Mitchell reflected on his one season with the Wildcats and what he’ll take with him as he moves on.

“It was an unbelievable opportunity for me,” he said. “You know, to get experience under Coach Cal, pick his mind a little bit as far as how he sees the game and the players that he’s been around. And special group of guys, man. You know, young guys, but unbelievably talented, and like Coach said, they have grown so much over the course of this season. And it’s March, you know. It’s March. You see what some teams are capable of doing.

“Obviously, it’s not the desired outcome, but you gotta live with what reality is for us, but I’ve enjoyed every single second of being at Kentucky. I got an opportunity to live out a dream, and I’ve built bonds with people that will last a lifetime.”

Mitchell transferred to Kentucky, which was the fourth school he played for throughout his college basketball career. He also previously had stints with UMass, Texas and West Virginia.

Mitchell started 24 of the 27 games he appeared in this season to rank fourth on the team with 10.4 points per game along with a team-high 7.2 rebounds per game. This season marked the third straight year that Kentucky made the NCAA Tournament but failed to make the Sweet Sixteen.

However, Mitchell won’t allow that to change the way he views his time as a Wildcat. He had some big games this season, including a 20-point, 14-rebound effort against Missouri.

Mitchell will now turn his sights toward a pro career and is projected as a second-round pick at best entering the NBA Draft. But just like he won’t forget his time in Lexington, the fans and those he played with will also remember what he provided in his lone season.