Tony Mitchell ineligible the first semester

Missouri got some bad news today as their star recruit, 6'8" forward Tony Mitchell, was ruled ineligible for the fall semester. If you remember, Mitchell was the player involved in the academic scandal at Dallas' Pinkston High. He was not allowed to graduate once the circumstances around the way he earned eligibility there as a senior, and his 52 absences in one school year, came to light.

According to a Jeff Goodman source, Mitchell isn't permanently ineligible for this season. But the NCAA isn't through reviewing his case yet and the deadline to enroll in classes at Mizzou came and went on Monday.


This is a big blow to the Tigers, but keep in mind this team does return four of their top five scorers, including leading scorer Kim English. And even with Mitchell, it was doubtful the Tigers would have made a run at the Big XII title.

The best case scenario for Mitchell is that he takes cares of his academic requirements while he sits out the first semester, getting himself eligible come December.