FAYETTEVILLE — Brandon Mitchell learned patience on the football field, where he has spent much of his three seasons waiting for an opportunity to lead Arkansas’ offense in big games.
So when he joined the Razorbacks as a walk-on in January and spent much of his first month with the team watching from the bench, Mitchell didn’t get frustrated. He just kept working.
“When I came out here I knew exactly what it took,” Mitchell said about being patient. “Every day I just want to practice and make the team better.”
His persistence finally paid off last Saturday, when the sophomore played a key role off the bench to help the Razorbacks beat South Carolina 76-65 and improve to 17-0 in Bud Walton Arena this season.
The backup quarterback and 6-foot-4 forward enjoyed the best performance of his brief college hoops career in the win. Mitchell tallied eight points, four rebounds, one block and one steal in 16 minutes, aiding a frontcourt playing without Michael Sanchez.
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It was a lift Mitchell and the Razorbacks were confident he could provide when he joined the team after the Cotton Bowl. It’s one they’re hoping he’ll continue to give Arkansas (17-8, 5-5 in Southeastern Conference) on Wednesday night, when the Hogs search for their first road win at Tennessee (13-12, 5-5).
“We’re going to have to use him more,” Arkansas guard Mardracus Wade said. “He’s very physical. He can rebound. He can get up and down. He has the instincts like a quarterback. He can see everything.
“I hope we’ll be able to use him on the road more for physicality, rebounding. We always need that.”
Mitchell had logged just 4 minutes in three games since dressing out for the first time at Kentucky on Jan. 17. Arkansas coach Mike Anderson brought him along slowly, wanting to make sure Mitchell was in basketball shape and understood what the Hogs expected before adding him to the rotation.
Sanchez’s sprained shoulder at Georgia finally made it a reality last Saturday. The Razorbacks only had three healthy frontcourt players, so Mitchell stepped in and performed well off the bench.
“I thought he was getting in better basketball shape,” Anderson said. “The more he got practice and scrimmage, you could see some the basketball instincts he brings to the table. He’s got a great nose for the ball, and we really need that. He made things so much easier for Hunter (Mickelson), making some great passes to him from the high post, especially against that matchup zone.
“It was a breath of fresh air to have a guy come off the bench and really be that productive.”
Mitchell also showed confidence late in the game by providing the Hogs with an important bucket.
The Gamecocks used a 16-0 run to cut a 23-point deficit to 68-61 with 2:39 remaining. Mickelson helped end the run with a basket after a timeout to make it 70-61. After a stop, Mitchell hit a short jumper to help the Hogs regain a double-digit lead.
Most newcomers would defer to more experienced players in an important possession. But Mitchell said he was comfortable taking the shot.
“That’s something I have done all my life,” Mitchell said. “I’ve been a guard so I have always been a pretty good shooter. Now I am taking on different roles and using my versatility at playing post, too.”
It’s an impressive feat, considering Mitchell spent most of his time on the court tangling with players 4 or 5 inches taller. But Marvell Waithe said a physical sport like football makes it possible for Mitchell to compete in the post for the Razorbacks.
“He’s a big body,” Waithe said. “He’s probably one of the most physical guys out here, regardless of his height. It really shows what he’s made of.”
There’s something else Anderson believes football has taught Mitchell: how to be a leader.
He said the quarterback’s leadership skills have been obvious, which helps a young team.
“I think for a guy that plays the quarterback, he’s been in that leadership role,” Anderson said. “He talks to these guys and they listen. It’s amazing.”
Mitchell said it just comes naturally.
“It’s just something I take from football being a quarterback,” Mitchell said. “You’re out there on the field and responsible for 10 other guys. You’ve got to be the coach on the field. I take pride in it.”
Mitchell reiterated he is still a member of the football team and continues to work out with the Razorbacks during offseason weight training. It’s part of a hectic spring schedule that includes football, basketball and a loaded class schedule.
He said there’s no plan in place for spring football practice right now, either. The basketball team could be playing in a postseason tournament when the Razorbacks open spring drills on March 14.
But Mitchell said figuring that out will come a little later. The South Carolina win was proof he’s busy helping the basketball team right now.
“It was great. I hope it continues,” Mitchell said of his success in the South Carolina victory. “I want to do whatever I can to help the team win.”
Sanchez still day-to-day
Anderson said Sanchez remains “day-to-day” after missing the South Carolina game with the shoulder injury. The forward was working with staff members in the weight room while the team practiced Monday.
“He said he felt better,” Anderson said before Monday’s practice. “We’ll see if he can do some things. If he does not practice then he won’t play.”
If Sanchez isn’t ready the Razorbacks will continue to lean on the foursome of Mitchell, Waithe, Mickelson and Devonta Abron in the frontcourt.