Mark Pope and the Kentucky basketball team have an open roster spot on the team that they weren't sure they would fill this offseason. Then, multiple judges made rulings that potentially allowed a group of class of 2022 players to gain an extra year of eligibility, making it much more likely to fill that last spot.
Kentucky is said to have their eyes on multiple players involved in the rulings. The most attractive option, though, might be former Missouri star Mark Mitchell.
Mitchell averaged 18 points and 5 rebounds per game last year for Missouri, and made 38% of his three-point attempts. His name wasn't called at the NBA draft, however, and he signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Denver Nuggets.
As judges sided with players in multiple injunctions around the country, Mitchell, along with several other athletes, also brought his case to court, looking for an added year of play. His case was to heard on Friday in Louisville.
The players, as well as Pope and his staff, were hoping to get a favorable ruling that would not only give them another season, but also allow them to transfer to the school of their choice. The bad news is that no ruling was given on Friday. The good news is that Judge Brian Edwards only pushed a ruling back until next week.
Judge Edwards instructed both sides to submit written arguments by Tuesday, and will make a ruling quickly after that. That means Mitchell, and the others, could still come away with a win. It's important to note that the NCAA is sure to appeal any ruling that goes against them.
This article originally appeared on UK Wildcats Wire: Kentucky gets an eligibility update on Mark Mitchell...sort of