Former Rutgers forward Jonathan Mitchell has started strong in his professional career, leading CB Tarragona of Spain in scoring and rebounding through three games.
“It is a great experience playing over here, in a different country and being a professional basketball player,” said Mitchell, according to ScarletKnights.com. “Coach Rice prepared me for this, and although I couldn’t see it while I was there, I am grateful for everything he did for me last season. I wish I could have learned more from him.”
“In one season, Jonathan Mitchell’s mental and physical toughness developed incredibly,” said head coach Mike Rice. “J-Mitch learned he was too perimeter-oriented during his junior season, and he worked at not being a one-dimensional player. Not only was he more versatile for us last year, but he was a leader on this team and I think that will help him succeed on the next level.”
Mitchell was officially announced as the newest member of Tarragona Basquet 2017 on Aug. 15. The team plays in the Gold division of the Spanish Basketball League.
Mitchell is averaging 17 points and eight rebounds to lead CB Tarragona. The Mount Vernon, N.Y. native has shot over 48 percent from the field, including 8-of-13 from behind the arc. A Second Team All-MET selection last season for the Scarlet Knights, Mitchell averages nearly 30 minutes per game and pushed his team to an 80-76 victory over Palencia Baloncesto Friday.
While at Rutgers, Mitchell averaged 13.1 points and 5.8 rebounds for the Scarlet Knights. The forward was among the 2010-11 Big East leaders in scoring, free throw percentage and three point field goal percentage. Mitchell averaged 15.3 points-per-game in conference contests and provided college basketball the most dramatic finish of the regular season with his game-winning four-point play versus No. 9 Villanova.
