Maryland transfers Makhi and Makhel Mitchell announced Monday they have committed to Rhode Island. The Mitchell twins left the Maryland program in December after both fell behind on head coach Mark Turgeon’s depth chart.
Makhi was a heralded four-star recruit after his senior season at Wilson High School in Washington, DC. He and his brother committed to Maryland with Makhi having aspirations of emerging as the starting power forward.
However, was unable to establish himself as a freshman. Instead he fell in the rotation, averaging 9.3 minutes. He also struggled with his shot, shooting 35.3% and averaging 30 points and 3.3 rebounds in 12 games.
Makhel is the less heralded of the two. With Maryland leaning heavy on NBA prospect Jalen Smith and the emergence of fellow freshman Donta Scott, Makhel was left out of Turgeon’s rotation. He averaged 6.8 minutes, 1.0 point and 2.3 rebounds in 10 games.
Frustration over the lack of playing time grew and ultimately the Mitchell’s along with their mother agreed with Turgeon a departure from the program was best.
According to Matt Levine of Testudo Times, the decision to transfer may have stemmed from fight between the Mitchell’s and a Maryland teammate.
The two went on a recruiting tour that reportedly included Georgetown.
Rhode Island gets two additions that will help them. The Atlantic-10 competition may be more adequate for the Mitchell’s. The Rams program under head coach David Cox is no stranger to recruiting players from the DMV area in large due to his to AAU program DC Premier.
The Rams had four players from the DMV area, including senior Jeff Dotwin. They also have guards Elijah Wood from Bethesda-Chevy Chase (MD) and Ishmael Leggett of St. John’s (DC) committed in their 2020 class.
