USF offers versatile JuCo wing RayQuawndis Mitchell
Wednesday afternoon USF extended an offer to Otero Junior College wing RayQuawndis Mitchell. The 6-foot-5 Mitchell announced the offer via his Twitter account.
Through 17 games Mitchell is averaging 17.4 points, 4.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game according to the NJCAA website. Mitchell is also making 48.4 percent of his three-point attempts and 87.8 percent of his attempts from the charity stripe. Since Mitchell played his freshman season at Idaho, and is currently a sophomore at Otero Junior College, he will have two seasons of eligibility remaining when he transfers to a four-year program.
Originally from Atlanta Mitchell, his mom and sister, moved to Minnesota seven years ago. When he arrived in the Land of 10,000 Lakes he was moved up a grade and graduated high school when he was 17. A rarity, these days, with Division I basketball prospects.
RunningTheBulls.com spoke with Mitchell Wednesday night to get an update on his recruitment and his interest in USF.
Q&A WITH RAYQUAWNDIS “RAY” MITCHELL
What is your current height and weight?
6-foot-5 and I weigh 200 pounds on the dot like 201.
Idaho listed you at 180, so you’ve added some muscle since you were there?
Yes, definitely a lot of muscle. I’ve been really stressing that a lot for myself to get better and stuff. So, I’ve been making sure I’m eating right and doing the right things in the weight room.
From video I’ve seen you have really long arms. What is your wingspan?
I think it’s like 6-foot-10. Close to seven foot almost.
You have picked up nine offers this month congratulations. Man 2020 has been good to you. Are you having trouble keeping your phone charged up?
*Laughs* No, not really. It’s a lot of schools that haven’t offered me and then a bunch of schools that have high interest who are waiting to see how their season goes before they pull the trigger. But it’s been pretty good so far.
Who are some of the schools that haven’t offered but are showing interest?
Iowa State, they’ve been at my practice. Mizzou, Texas A&M, University of Texas, Minnesota came to a game, Georgia and Cal.
How has your game evolved since you left Idaho?
I think it’s evolved drastically. I’ve been showing that I can do more than just catch and shoot the ball. I’ve been able to play-make, I’ve been running point guard and showing these schools that I can do more than just shoot.
What have you been working on to get better?
I’ve been in the gym a lot getting shots up and I’ve been doing a lot ball handling. Also doing finishing drills with my uncle and my coaches.
In your opinion, what’s the best part of your game?
I would have to say my passing ability is not noticed as much as I do it. Also my shooting off the dribble as well as catch and shooting.
In the Otero games I watched you seemed equally comfortable shooting off the catch as you were off the bounce. Am I right about that?
Yes, definitely. I love creating space and shooting. I also love coming off screens and shooting. Catch and shooing and stuff like that so I would definitely agree with you on that.
When did South Florida first start recruiting you?
Umm, you know, I think they came to one of my Jamboree games (in October). I think that’s when they started reaching out. We talk a lot.
Which South Florida Coach do you talk to the most and what has his pitch to you been?
Probably Coach (Tom) Herrion. He’s saying they need an impact player because a few guys are leaving. They’re looking for someone to come help the program and things like that.
What are you looking for in a program?
You know, I really am looking for what Coach H (Herrion) is saying. There are a few other schools that are saying the same things too but I really like the opportunity that each of these schools and especially USF has and I just think it’s a great fit or at least a great opportunity anyway.
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