Celtics rookie Dillon Mitchell could be returning to St. John’s for one more season, according to basketball insider Adam Zagoria.
Mitchell was drafted 40th overall after a collegiate career that included stints at the University of Texas and St. John’s. The 22-year-old was a Summer League standout for Boston, averaging 13 points and 5 rebounds per game while shooting 47.2% from the field and 37.5% from three.
But now, despite being with the Celtics since the draft, Mitchell could be returning to college
ball. Zagoria reported that “Dillon Mitchell returning to St. John’s is being considered, per source” and also that Keyshawn Hall could be a candidate for the team’s final roster spot.
Last year, he averaged 8.3 points and 7 rebounds, was named to the All-BIG East Third Team and the All-Defensive Team, and established himself as one of the team’s most important players.
The reason for this strange potential situation?
The NCAA just passed a new rule that gives every student-athlete five years to compete following their graduation from high school. The rule, which went into effect on August 1st, initially excluded players from the 2022 high school graduating class.
But a U.S. District Court judge in Colorado granted a preliminary injunction that gives college athletes from the high school Class of 2022 another year of eligibility for the coming school year.
So, Mitchell, who played college basketball for four years, now has a fifth year of eligibility, and a decision to make.
Will he join the Celtics for his first year as a pro after a Summer League in which he looked like he belonged? Or will he return for another season at St. John’s?
