Tre Mitchell (206-F-2000, college: Kentucky) is a 24 year old 206cm forward that was born in Bamberg and grew up in Woodstock, Conn. He is playing his rookie season in Germany with the Basketball Loewen Braunschweig. He had the fortune to get early basketball experience at Elizabeth Forward high school and Woodstock Academy while also playing AAU ball. He then had the advantage of playing at 4 NCAA schools starting with the University of Massachusetts (NCAA) averaging 17.7ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 53.5%, 3PT: 33.0%, FT: 72.8% and 18.8ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.2apg, 1.2spg, 1.5bpg, FGP: 56.7%, 3PT: 37.5%, FT: 76.8%. He then played a season at The University of Texas (NCAA) averaging 8.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 80.0%, at the West Virginia University (NCAA) averaging 11.7ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 78.9% and finished at the University of Kentucky (NCAA) averaging 10.7ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 74.4%. Last summer he played with the Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA Summer League in Las Vegas) averaging 6.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.0bpg, FGP: 66.7%, 3PT: 57.1%, FT: 28.6%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Tre for talking to germanhoops.com. Your playing your rookie season in Germany with the Basketball Lowen Braunschweig. What does it mean playing in the country that you were born in?

It’s a unique opportunity for me. A full circle moment to be born here and then return much later in life and learn so much about the German lifestyle.

You beat Bamberg at home and will play in Bamberg in March 2025. Is that date marked in your calendar?

Not circled but I’m looking forward to it. Right now I’m focusing one game at a time trying to make sure our team stays on the right track and winning games to the best of our ability.

What kind of an experience has it been playing with the Basketball lowen Braunschweig organization. What have you enjoyed most about the experience so far?

It’s been very different from what I’ve been used to. There was a lot of adapting I had to do at first but it has taught me a lot about myself and the direction I want my career to go in. So far I’ve enjoyed experiencing a new way of life in Europe, and building relationships with my teammates and learning about the way they’ve experienced life much different to what I’m used to.

Did you talk or meet owner Dennis Schroeder?

I’ve met him and had a short conversation. He seems like a very genuine dude that just wants to see the success of his program and those involved in it.

Growing up how did you follow the career of Dennis Schroeder? Looking back how do you have him in your mind? Did he standout or was he just another of many great talented guards playing in the NBA?

I wouldn’t say I followed him in particular but I was always aware of the presence he carried within the league. I always saw him as a tough nosed guard who can guard extremely well and has a dog mentality and competitive drive.

The Lowen is a very special team that gives Germans playing time and a very talented coach in Jesus Ramirez. How much potential does the team have and how far can it go?

We have every piece we need to be successful in this league. We’ve competed with the top teams and we are getting better everyday. I think we will set our own limitations this season. I truly believe there isn’t a team we can’t beat in this league.

The team has so many talented German players. Is there one player that has stood out most for you?

Sanada Fru has stood out a lot to me, for being a young guy he’s been a great part of our team. Getting things done on both ends of the floor. He’s capable of playing 5 or 4, his versatility and ability to impact a game I think goes unnoticed sometimes but he really is a huge part of our success.

Let´s talk about your game. You’re a 206cm forward. If you had to compare your game to a NBA player who would best fit the description?

I would say where my game currently is, it would be a player like Al Horford who can play 4 or 5 and do a little bit of everything.

You are a very agile and very elegant player. How much of a modern day big man are you?

Everyone has their own idea of a modern day big, I look at myself as a player who you can put into any situation and I’ll find a way to get the job done. Being versatile has always been something I’ve relied on heavily. You never know what situation you’ll be put into so why not be ready for anything.

You’re a very versatile player and can do so much. But besides being versatile, what would you say is your biggest strength on the floor?

My basketball intelligence, the ability to read and react and get people to move into places I want them to in order to capitalize.

Your three pointer is still up and down. You shot 40% in Fiba Cup, but are under 30% in the BBL. What do you believe is missing to becoming a consistent shooter over 40%?

Just extra work, I’ve been able to shoot my whole career it’s just a matter of getting it consistent everyday so I’ll continue to work and get to the breakthrough of the consistency I know I’m capable of.

Where would you describe your defensive game as being at right now? Are you still a bit raw? You averaged 1,0 block per game at UMass and Kentucky and are near that again as a rookie.

I think my defense is solid, but I still have improving to do. At times I’m capable of switching and guarding 1-5 but it’s a matter of getting that consistency to be able to do it every possession if needed. I still have room to improve laterally to reach my full potential. My basketball iq keeps me in the right position majority of the time, so it’s just a matter of understanding my opponent and using my size to my advantage.

On what areas of your game are you working on most now so you can continue to improve your game?

Conditioning. I think is the biggest piece for me right now, just being able to impact every possession I’m out on the floor. With the right conditioning, it will bring about the consistency I need to continue to produce each game.

You had a very rare experience of playing at 5 NCAA schools. I can´t remember ever interviewing a guy that played at 5. I know I did guys who played at 4. How did this experience shape you as a player and man?

Well, I played at 4, but each place brought about new experiences and new learning opportunities. It helped me understand coaches and players at different levels and be able to interpret how they understand and see the game. I was fortunate to play for two hall of fame coaches so learning from them has equipped me with another level of understanding the game and what it takes to be part of a great team.

How beneficial were your first 2 years playing for Matt McCall? You were thrown into cold water as a freshman and led the team in scoring. That doesn´t happen often for incoming players.

They were extremely beneficial for my experience and confidence. McCall trusted me with the keys and allowed me to come in and make an immediate impact. He saw the value in me as a player and ultimately it worked out on the court.

Especially that first season you had so many great games, but in losing causes. What did you learn about your self in that freshman season?

I learned my ability to compete at a high level with guys much older than me, but it also reinforced the idea that scoring isn’t everything, basketball is a team game and without the right game plan and execution by players, games are still won as a team.

In your third season you played at the University of Texas (NCAA) averaging 8.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.3apg, FGP: 53.9%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 80.0%. You came the year after many guys reached the NBA. How did your game grow under Chris Beard?

Playing for Beard helped me realize the game away from the basketball, putting yourself in the right position to score and impact games while moving without the ball, creating actions for your teammates and making defenses make multiple adjustments.

In the 2022-2023 season you made another move going to West Virginia University (NCAA) averaging 11.7ppg, 5.5rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 52.2%, 3PT: 36.4%, FT: 78.9%. You reached the big dance losing to Maryland while scoring 13 points. What memories do you have of that season?

It was one of my favorite seasons, I was surrounded by a lot of good people and great coaches that I really enjoyed playing for. I created a lot of relationships I still carry with me today and will for the rest of my life. The state of West Virginia showed a lot of love to us and I thoroughly enjoyed playing for them. Most of my memories involve me with my teammates and competing at the coliseum with the infectious energy of the crowd.

You had the great pleasure to play for legend Bob Huggins. How did your game grow under him?

Huggs instilled a lot of confidence in my game, after a rough season at Texas, he stuck his neck out for me and gave me another chance to show everyone what I was capable of. He taught me a lot on the defensive side of the ball, being in the right position, and really pushing the idea of team defense. When you know your team has your back you become a better defender. My skillset grew under him as well, I spent a lot of time developing my perimeter game and becoming even more versatile.

You then played a fifth season at the University of Kentucky (NCAA) averaging 10.7ppg, 7.2rpg, 2.6apg, FGP: 59.5%, 3PT: 30.5%, FT: 74.4%. You reached the Big Dance again losing to Oakland 80-76 but producing a 14/13 game. Was this one of the tougher loses in your NCAA career?

Definitely one of the more heartbreaking losses of my career, I knew it was my last chance to make a run, and I just didn’t get to. Especially when I felt like the team we lost to had no business beating us. I felt like I could’ve done more on the offensive end of that game, but obviously with younger guys it was harder to get everyone on the same page in order for us to win.

You were teammates with 3 very special guards with Antonio Reeves, Reed Sheppard and Rob Dilligham. So far none have had their NBA break though. What guy do you feel like will make it this season?

I believe all 3 of them will succeed, they’re very skilled and talented players willing to play on both ends of the ball. They have everything they need to be successful, it’s just going to be a matter of time when they get their opportunity to show what they can do.

How did legend John Calipari give you that last boost and help groom and prepare you for a pro career?

Cal helped me grow as a leader, understanding what it takes to get everyone on the same page. Sometimes I had to be the mediator between player and coach and get messages across to both sides. He also helped me mentally, he challenges you everyday and tries to get you to break preparing you for the next stage of your career. One of the things I remember vividly was him saying to me “I love coaching you because no matter how hard I try, I can never get a reaction out of you”

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Justin Edwards?

I’d say it would depend on what part of the court we got the ball on. He’s talented and capable of making some tough shots, but so am I.

You played NBA Summer League with the Oklahoma Thunder. How cool was that experience? How big is the NBA a focus for you?

It was an okay experience I’d say, unfortunately I picked the only team to take extra guys to the summer league so I didn’t feel like I really got a chance to showcase my abilities. However it was cool seeing many of the guys I grew up playing with and against. Obviously the NBA would be my dream destination, but I have to keep working hard and everything else will fall into place exactly how it’s supposed to.

What was the coolest meeting or sighting you made in Las Vegas concerning an NBA legend?

I don’t really think there was anyone particular who stood out to me, but it was cool playing some pick up games with the top guys from the Thunder’s main team.

Who were some of the best players that you battled in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Other than the guys on my Kentucky team last year, I would say guys like Obi Toppin and Chet.

Please name your 5 bets teammates of all-time?

In no particular order

Erik Stevenson

Emmit Mathews Jr

Reed Sheppard

Rob Dillingham

Noah Fernandes

Please name your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron

KD

Paul George

Larry Bird

Who is your GOAT?

Lebron

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I actually haven’t seen the sequel, the first one was good and I heard some bad reviews about the second so I never watched it.

Thanks Tre for the chat,