University of Minnesota head men’s basketball coach Ben Johnson has announced the addition of Frank Mitchell to the 2024-25 roster. Mitchell, a forward from Toronto, Ont., joins the Golden Gopher program after playing the 2023-24 season at Canisius.
“We’re excited to add Frank to the program,” Johnson said. “He does a phenomenal job in the paint and has a great feel for the game. His ability, both offensively and defensively, translates to winning. Frank was one of the best rebounders in the country last season and can easily go and get a double double. He has the will, the fight and the competitive motor we were looking for in a player. Frank’s excited to get into this program and has a ton of respect for the Big Ten. As an upperclassman, he brings experience, energy, passion and can’t wait to put on a Minnesota jersey.”
Mitchell, who is 6-8 and weighs 240 pounds, comes to the Gophers with two years remaining eligibility. Named an All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Second Team selection, Mitchell was the only MAAC player to average a double double in points (12.1) and rebounds (11.6) this past season. His 11.6 rebounds ranked fourth nationally, his offensive rebounds ranked sixth (4.1), and defensive rebounds ranked 14th (7.55). Mitchell had 15 double doubles last season, the MAAC best, and tied for 21st nationally. During his junior campaign, Mitchell started in all 31 games he competed in, averaged 28.9 minutes, and shot 56.1 percent from the field. His 361 rebounds tied for ninth nationally, and he had a career-high 22 earlier this season.
Before his time at Canisius, Mitchell’s basketball journey began at Humber College in Toronto in 2021-22. Despite starting organized basketball at age 18, he quickly made a name for himself. Mitchell led the Hawks to the 2022 CCAA National Championships and the 2022 OCAA Provincial Championship. His impressive stats of 14.5 points and 18.0 rebounds per game, along with 13 double doubles, earned him the titles of OCAA Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and OCAA First Team All-Star.
(info and photos courtesy of Gopher Sports)
