RayQuawndis Mitchell Declares for NBA Draft

RayQuawndis Mitchell played a key role in the Roos’ offense in 2022-2023.

Cristian Martinez, Sports Editor

  Graduate guard RayQuawndis Mitchell officially declared for the 2023 NBA Draft. 

  In a statement he made on social media on March 27, Mitchell announced that he would also maintain his college eligibility. Prior to his decision, he did not sign an agent, which means he can re-enter the transfer portal and play out one more year in the NCAA.

  The star guard from Minnesota thanked Head Coach Marvin Menzies and the staff at Kansas City for giving him a chance after only starting 18 games between 2018 and 2021. 

https://twitter.com/rayquawndis/status/1640460680863137793?s=20

  “My family and I are extremely grateful to Coach Menzies & the rest of the coaching staff here at UMKC for believing in me and allowing me the opportunity to play college basketball at a high level,” Mitchell said. “I also want to give a huge thank you to Dr. [Brandon] Martin and our entire Kansas City community, you guys welcomed me in with open arms and the love [you all] showed me was unreal.”

  Mitchell started his playing career with the Idaho Vandals in 2018, where he started in ten games and played 31, putting up 4.4 points and 1.2 assists per game. 

  After a year break, he returned to play for the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC), where he almost doubled his production. During the pandemic, he averaged 8.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.

  He would trail Menzies to Kansas City following the departure of Billy Donlon after another year’s break. Mitchell blossomed into a starter with the Roos, leading his team with 17.3 points per game. He also posted career highs in rebounds and assists per game (3.8 and 1.6 respectively.)

  Teammates and players from Kansas City and beyond flooded his Instagram post with positive messages, congratulating Mitchell for declaring. 

  He played a huge role in providing a NIL opportunity for a large group of Roos, as Mitchell hosted an event for Heavenly Smilez, a clothing brand. 

  Kansas City Athletics declined to comment. 

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