The Baylor Bears men’s’ basketball team is having an incredible season and are on the verge of earning a number one seed in the 2021 NCAA Tournament. The team has racked up numerous honors this season and they received the biggest one on Monday, March 8 as former Liberty County High School standout Davion Mitchell was named Big 12 Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

 Mitchell has been a key piece to the Bears’ success this season, averaging 13.9 points per game, but it is arguably his defense that has led to the team being ranked in the top 3 of the AP Poll for the majority of the season.

 Mitchell has averaged 2.7 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game, but his defensive ability goes much further than the box score shows. He has done well to rarely allow players to go by him and has prided himself on being one of the best off-ball defenders in the country.

 The former Liberty County Panther has been projected as an early second round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, but with at least one season of eligibility left - two if he takes advantage of the NCAA’s COVID protocols for this year - he has a chance to hone his craft and solidify his place as a first round pick in the 2022 draft.

 During his career in Hinesville, Mitchell led the Panthers to a Class 4A state championship, the school’s first, in 2016 and was a stout defensive player. His 19 points and 4.1 rebounds per game led to him receiving a scholarship to Auburn. He transferred to Baylor following the 2017-18 season.