COLLEGE PARK, Md. – The Terps brought in a five-man recruiting class in 2019, but the two most significant contributors figure to be Philadelphia, Pa., native Donta Scott and Washington, D.C., resident Makhi Mitchell. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound Mitchell figures to start at the “5,” while the 6-7, 225-pound Scott will see significant time at the “3” or the “4.”
Mitchell, whose twin brother Makhel could rotate through if he doesn’t redshirt, has shown advanced moves and touch, along with a knack for protecting the rim. He looks to be a physical presence in the paint, who can actively gather rebounds and go up for put-backs. His court vision, consistency and stamina remain question marks, but Mitchell has the potential to be a significant contributor in 2019-20.
Scott, meanwhile, may be the most college-ready freshman we’ve seen in some time. He’s built like an upperclassman and has the mentality of one too. His basketball IQ is off the charts, evidenced by the way he speaks and breaks down the game. He’s the only college player this reporter has interviewed to ever reference advanced analytics. What’s more, Scott has a developed game and sound fundamentals. He’s not an elite athlete with tremendous upside, but he’s as well-rounded as they come, and plays with a characteristic Philadelphia toughness.
“Very talented, very physical, good feel for the game,” head coach Mark Turgeon said of Scott and Mitchell. “They give us tremendous depth and they give us some physicality. We weren't the most physical team in the world last year... But these guys are built pretty well so our practices are much more physical, and they need to be for us to play at the highest level, so that helps. Good players, I couldn't tell you today who's going to play or play more and not play all. Because it's still early, but a couple guys are starting to separate themselves a little bit. The physicality is there.”
Physicality is the name of the game for both, and in particular Mitchell. The former McNamara (Forestville, Md.), Wilson (D.C.) and Montverde Academy (Fla.) product, who suited up for D.C. Premier on the Under Armour circuit, prides himself on his defensive prowess and ability to bang underneath. He was tabbed defensive player of the year with D.C. Premier and averaged double-digit rebounds and two-plus blocks at Montverde. Mitchell has since picked his game up on the opposite end, displaying a baby hook; an up-and-under move; and a right-to-left reverse lay-in. He’s working on his mid-range and deep game, but figures to play underneath the majority of the time.
“I feel like I can be a dominant big,” Mitchell said. “I’m good at blocking shots and rebounding, and my offense is coming along. I can dribble a little bit and step out too. I’m working. The big thing for me is I have to play hard on every possession [Turgeon] is on me about that. Just staying active and helping the team any way I can – on every play.”
As for Scott, he embraces the label often tabbed on inner-city Philadelphia hoopsters. The Imhotep (Philadelphia) product won’t always out run or out jump a foe, but he’s going to out physical them and make their lives a living nightmare with his in-your-face style. He’s a bigger, wider and more talented version of Byron Mouton, with an offensive game to go with his signature defensive prowess.
“I model my game after Iggy [Andre Iguodala of the Memphis Grizzlies],” Scott said. “He’s a defense guy and does everything to help the team. Also, he plays all different positions. He’s positionless. That’s how I see myself. I don’t want to say I’m a certain position, because that has limits. I don’t want to be labeled. I want to push myself to be able to play multiple spots.”
And that’s what Turgeon has allowed Scott to do. In the open practice media was able to witness, Scott defended at all three levels. On the offensive end, he lined up at wing and dropped down in the paint too.
“Every player should be able to guard all positions. That’s what I’ve always been taught,” Scott said. “That’s what I do. Wherever the coaches tell me to defend, that’s what I’ll do.
“My high school prepared me well for college, so everything I’m doing now is second nature to me. I do have to do better in some areas, like on offense with my cutting and pull-up jumpers. But I’m coming on, and my defense I feel like I’m there. … I like the versatility, but at the same time it’s challenging to get down all the plays. But it’s coming along. My teammates are helping me, and the coaches are on me too.”
Both Scott and Mitchell said the jump from high school to college has been an adjustment, however. Even though they look like college juniors, they’re just getting used to living in a college setting and dealing with classes; practice; and other off-the-court endeavors.
“The biggest adjustment for me has been time management,” Mitchell said. “The first week I got here I was here two minutes prior to practice. Coach didn’t like that very much. He told me to be here at least 10 minutes early.”
“For me, it was changing my eating habits,” Scott added. “No more Philly cheesesteaks. That was rough, man. But then just focusing more and knowing that I have to get things done. You can’t really do [things you did in high school]. You have to constantly be thinking about the team and helping them out. In the past, you know, you do things to help yourself. But here, you have to do what’s best for the team at all times.”
If Scott and Mitchell can hone in on the latter, they figure to be instrumental pieces this season. Their development over the course of the season could be the difference between a team that makes the NCAA tournament and one that challenges for a Final Four appearance.
“Confidence,” Mitchell said. “Coach always tells us to be confident and to trust in the process. We’re all going hard, and hopefully we all come together and do big things.”
