Matthew Antonio Mitchell II, born on March 18, 1999, has carved a notable path in professional basketball. Currently showcasing his talent for Bahçeşehir Koleji in the Turkish Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL) and the EuroCup, Mitchell's journey is one of dedication, hard work, and constant evolution. While his on-court achievements are well-documented, a lesser-known aspect of his story involves a physical transformation that highlights his commitment to the sport.
Early Success and Collegiate Career
Mitchell's basketball prowess was evident early on. As a freshman at Martin Luther King High School in Riverside, California, he contributed to the team's CIF Southern Section Division 1A championship victory. Following that season, he transferred to Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Eastvale, California. His senior year was particularly impressive, with Mitchell averaging 25.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, three assists, and 2.2 steals per game. He recorded 16 double-doubles and reached at least 30 points in 10 games, leading Roosevelt to CIF State Division I, CIF Southern California Regional, and Big VIII League titles. The Press-Enterprise recognized his outstanding performance by naming him HSGametime Player of the Year.
Before settling on San Diego State, Mitchell initially committed to Cal State Fullerton, but later reopened his recruitment. In his fourth game for San Diego State, On November 20, 2017, Mitchell demonstrated his potential, scoring a career-high 31 points (26 in the second half) in a 94-63 victory over Eastern Illinois. He showcased his shooting ability by going 7-of-11 from three-point range. As a freshman, Mitchell averaged 10.5 points and four rebounds per game. As a sophomore, Mitchell averaged 10.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. At the close of his senior season, Mitchell was named Mountain West Player of the Year.
The "Slimming Down" Summer
While specific details of a dramatic "weight loss story" are not explicitly outlined in the provided information, there's a notable mention of Mitchell focusing on his physique during the summer of 2019. An article in The San Diego Union-Tribune from July 22, 2019, mentions that "San Diego State's Matt Mitchell spending summer slimming down". This suggests a conscious effort to improve his physical condition, likely to enhance his performance on the court.
This period of "slimming down" likely involved a combination of factors:
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- Dietary Adjustments: Mitchell may have worked with nutritionists or trainers to optimize his diet for performance, focusing on lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats while reducing processed foods and sugary drinks.
- Increased Training Intensity: A more rigorous training regimen could have contributed to his physical transformation. This might include increased cardio, strength training, and basketball-specific drills.
- Focus on Conditioning: Improving overall conditioning and endurance would be crucial for a basketball player, allowing Mitchell to maintain a high level of play throughout games and the season.
Professional Career
After a successful college career, Mitchell declared for the 2021 NBA Draft and hired an agent. While he went undrafted, he didn't remain unsigned for long. He began his professional career with SIG Strasbourg in France before moving to Beşiktaş in Turkey in July 6, 2023. Currently, he plays for Bahçeşehir Koleji and also participates in the EuroCup. In June 27, 2024 it was announced that Matt Mitchell heads to Zalgiris.
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