Mitchell has more to show – Black

MANILA, Philippines - Talk ‘N’ Text coach Norman Black expects even more from import Tony Mitchell when the Tropa battles Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 4 of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-five semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight. In an auspicious debut last Wednesday, Mitchell compiled 29 points and 12 rebounds in 33 minutes as the Texters stunned Ginebra, 98-80, to open a 2-1 lead in the tie.

What was considered a risky gamble in bringing in an undersized import has turned out to be a master stroke. There is no height limit for imports in the Commissioner’s Cup but Black opted to suit up the 6-5 Mitchell against Ginebra’s 6-10 Vernon Macklin. Mitchell is the Tropa’s fourth import this conference after 6-11 Keith Benson, 6-8 Donnell Harvey and 7-0 Jerome Jordan.

“I think we’ve only scratched the surface with Tony,” said Black. “I’m still learning how to use him. I do know that the fans were not able to really see his offensive abilities in Game 3. He can be a big-time scorer and an awesome dunker. He’ll continue to improve as long as he understands the PBA is a physical league and the imports will take their fair share of hits. He just has to match the physicality and just keep playing.”

Although Mitchell is now in the Texters lineup, Jordan is still in town. Black has the option of reactivating Jordan but only once. “We’ll keep Jordan until the end of the conference,” said Talk ‘N’ Text team manager Aboy Castro. “With our win in Game 3, it looks like we’re good with Tony. But you never know if an injury might happen. Obviously, we hope not. But it’s best to just have Jerome stay over, ready to be activated in the event of an injury to Tony. Besides, he’s definitely helping our practice and preparation as he can simulate Macklin’s presence.”

Mitchell, the league’s youngest import at 23, has committed to play out the conference with Talk ‘N’ Text. The latest the conference will end is Friday, May 24, assuming the semifinals and finals go the five-game distance. After the Commissioner’s Cup, Mitchell is set to play in Lebanon at the end of this month. “He might have a few days to enjoy our country before heading out,” said Castro. “Then, he’ll play in the NBA Summer League in early July and return to Manila around July 17 for the Governors Cup. Now that he’s familiar with our players and how we play, three weeks of practice before the start of the third conference will be enough.”

Castro said Mitchell was earlier contracted for the Governors Cup but became available to fly over for the second conference. “He was scheduled to come over to Asia to play in Lebanon late this month and since he would be in the area, we decided to bring him in to see Manila, get to know the guys. With injuries to JD (Jared Dillinger) and Jimmy (Alapag) and with Ali (Peek) back, we thought it better to play Tony instead of Jerome. Tony can play 2, 3 and 4. He can bring up the ball, he will fill the scoring that Jimmy normally brings.”

   Mitchell arrived last week and could only join two practices with the complete team before Game 3. The lack of familiarity was evident last Wednesday as Mitchell repeatedly went off on his own whenever he had possession and chalked up only one assist. He wound up with five turnovers as a result. From the floor, Mitchell went 11-of-23 and shot 6-of-9 free throws.

It took Mitchell two years after committing to enroll at the University of Alabama to finally play with the Crimson Tide because of academic deficiencies. He played three years at Alabama then left the campus to apply for the NBA draft. With 11 games left in Alabama’s varsity 2011-12 schedule, Mitchell was suspended for “conduct detrimental to the team” and was never reinstated by coach Anthony Grant. Mitchell was dismissed for dysfunctional behavior like pouting when on the bench, throwing tantrums on and off the court and playing soft defense.

Mitchell wasn’t picked in the NBA draft but managed to play for the Sacramento Kings in the preseason before he was cut last year. He moved to the NBA D-League, earning Rookie of the Year honors with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, averaging 21.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals. A graduate of the Kevin Durant Skills Academy, Mitchell won the Slam Dunk title in the NBA D-League last season. The PBA is his first overseas league.

Considered a natural three, Mitchell also played power forward at Alabama. “He’s got a nose for the ball in terms of being able to make plays, he’s very good on the glass and he’s a good finisher in transition,” said Grant. “He’s an elite athlete.” Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook editor Chris Dortch said, “Mitchell has played the strong power forward spot before and he’s already inclined to handle the blue-collar tasks that go along with the job.” Dortch described Mitchell as “a stat-sheet stuffer.”