By Melissa Stoltz
LSU Sports Information
If one were to peruse the LSU men’s basketball record books there are a few names that stand out and repeat themselves in many categories — Pete Maravich, Shaquille O’Neal, Torris Bright and Collis Temple III, just to name a few.
This year’s lone senior, Darrel Mitchell, is well on his way to leaving his mark in those same record books. Mitchell currently ranks fifth all-time in three-point field goal percentage, second in three-pointers made and seventh in career steals. This season Mitchell has already had the second-best scoring game of his career by sinking 26 at West Virginia, helping him to become the 35th player in LSU history to score more than 1,000 career points. Mitchell calls this one of his most memorable games.
“The West Virginia game was a real big game,” he said. “I hit two big threes, and that was a real big moment for me in my senior season to help my team out on the road with such a young team.”
With seven true freshmen on this year’s squad, Mitchell has a big role as the team’s veteran leader. Despite the fact that the majority of the team is listed as underclassmen, Mitchell still expects this season to be a great one.
“Team wise we’re young, but I’m expecting us to do real big things,” Mitchell said. “By the time January comes around the team should be a lot more mature, so I’m expecting them to come out and give their all every game.”
The St. Martinville, La., native started his impressive career at LSU by coming off the bench and playing in all 32 games as a freshman. He then became just the 10th player in LSU history to make 100 career three-pointers before starting in all 30 games as a junior.
Mitchell currently has 1,060 career points and is only 47 shy of taking over the number one spot in career three-point field goals made. Having hit 67 treys in each of the last two seasons, another year like that would clinch him the top spot in that category. He said having the potential to break records does not really add any pressure to his senior season.
“I’m not really thinking about it,” Mitchell said. “I just play each game as it comes and when that day comes it will be a nice accomplishment to have, but I’m not really looking forward to it. I’m just playing.”
Not only does the name Darrel Mitchell adorn the LSU record books, but it also has its place in the overall standings in the Southeastern Conference. His present scoring average of 19 points per game ranks third in the conference. He is also seventh in the league in three-point field goal percentage and tied for third in three-pointers made, with 2.8 per game. In addition, he is third in the league in minutes played at 35.2 per game, which is a new stat being kept this year.
As impressive as these stats and rankings are, Mitchell’s expectations for his senior season are simple.
“For me, basically I just want to go out on a good note,” he said. “I’ve had three good years here, and I don’t want to leave on a bad note. I just want to come out and help my team the best way I can.”
So far, Mitchell has proven to be a great asset to his team in his final season. Through five games, he has 30 assists and ranks second in the league in assist average with six per game. He was also named the SEC Player of the Week for his performance in the Tigers’ 71-68 overtime win against then 13th ranked West Virginia.
Among his many athletic awards, Mitchell has also been recognized for his work in the classroom as he was named to the 2005 SEC Academic Honor Roll. But despite the many awards, he remains modest and is determined to continue playing basketball after graduating in May.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to continue my basketball career and make an NBA team,” he said. “And if not, I’ll try to somehow get on a team.”
Mitchell has inherited the role of playing primarily at the point guard position this season. His experience, talent and attitude toward the team make him a great leader on and off the court and very capable of handling his role as the Tigers’ lone senior.