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UNT product Tony Mitchell had his first chance to show what he can do on the NBA level today when he made his debut with the Detroit Pistons’ summer league team. So far, so good. Mitchell finished with seven points, six rebounds and two blocked shots in the Pistons’ 76-67 win over the Brooklyn Nets. He went 3-for-3 from the floor. The hope was that Mitchell would show in the summer pro league that he can contribute right away as a backup forward as he continues to develop. That’s just what he did, according to the people who know: Read more: http://meangreenblog.dentonrc.com/2013/07/solid-summer-league-debut-for-tony-mitchell.html/

"Freak athlete" was the phrase out of Jay Bilas' mouth. "Upside pick" said Bill Simmons. What the ESPN analysts were alluding to Thursday night after the Detroit Pistons selected North Texas' Tony Mitchell in the second round also is ringing true with others today: Detroit may have ended up with one of the steals of the NBA Draft at No. 37. That's certainly an opinion of CBSSports.com's Gary Parrish, who listed Mitchell among the players "picked too low" in the draft. Read more: http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2013/06/detroit_pistons_grabbed_a_lott.html

I love the Tony Mitchell pick. I really hope Kentavious Caldwell-Pope pans out, but I have a feeling Mitchell could have an overall greater impact on the Pistons. I'll admit, while I follow college basketball, I didn't know much about Mitchell until May when Vince Ellis wrote about how the Pistons grilled the athletic forward regarding his supposed "motor" issues. His numbers were so good his freshman year, the significant drop off had to be attributed to more than the proverbial sophomore slump. Mitchell admitted he lost interest and couldn't get up for games. That won't fly in the NBA, but obviously the Pistons don't think it'll be a problem. If you remember Kevin's first round big board, he had Mitchell No. 11 overall. It's not crazy, because Mitchell was long projected as a lottery pick this year and may have been one in last year's draft. Here's what Kevin said about Mitchell earlier this month: A roll of the dice? You bet. One of the most intriguing prospects in the country after a stellar freshman campaign, Mitchell struggled in every aspect of his game last year. So what do you believe? Did he regress or was it something else? I'm inclined to chalk it up to an immature player (he lost a season of eligibility to academic issues) dealing poorly with a coaching change. That is, in and of itself, a genuine concern, but Mitchell has also shown that he can be a top five talent. I would have had him at this spot last year in a much deeper draft. Given the available options, I'll give him a mulligan, but he's the biggest boom or bust pick in the draft. Read more: http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2013/6/28/4473364/2013-nba-draft-results-grades-detroit-pistons-tony-mitchell

Here is the package I put together on Tony Mitchell and UNT’s draft party last night. A video interview with UNT assistant coach Rob Evans and Matt Walsh is above. Walsh, one of UNT’s managers, is a good friend of Mitchell. CLICK HERE TO LINK TO VIDEO

AUBURN HILLS – The Detroit Pistons might have found another shot blocker to complement Andre Drummond. Tony Mitchell, a sophomore forward from North Texas who averaged 2.7 blocks per game last season, was selected by the Pistons in the second round (37th overall) of Thursday night's NBA Draft. Mitchell was projected a possible late first-round pick. Mitchell (6-8, 235) was 14th in the nation in blocked shots last season while also averaging 13.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and shooting 44 percent from the field. His 87 blocks last season are a North Texas record as are his 157 career blocks. He's considered an excellent athlete who is quick off the floor, runs well in transition and can play either forward spot. "[He's] a kid that can be your hybrid forward that can play outside," NBA senior director of scouting Ryan Blake said in a story on NJ.com. "Athletically he's off the charts. Long wingspan, versatile, can face up, creates opportunities for himself." Read more: http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/2013/06/detroit_pistons_take_athletic.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+mlive_sports+%28MLive.com+Sports%29

37. Detroit Pistons: F Tony Mitchell, North Texas Mitchell, like Rice, had some off the court issues, specifically struggling to get eligible at Missouri before transferring to North Texas. He's a freakish athlete but doesn't have polished skills. He can play either forward spot and should be a great fit for the Pistons off the bench. Grade: A- http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/draft/2013/06/27/grades-pick-by-pick-cleveland-cavaliers/2465505/

CHICAGO North Texas power forward Tony Mitchell expected the grilling over his underwhelming sophomore season. But of all the tough interviews he faced this week at the NBA draft combine, his short time with the Pistons on Thursday night left an indelible memory. That was probably one of my toughest interviews, actually, Mitchell said Friday afternoon. They got after me early, early. But I respect Joe Dumars and all those guys. It was an informative and great interview. What was so tough? They asked questions constantly, he said while snapping his fingers for emphasis. I had to give an answer and be honest with them. It was a great interview, though. Read More: http://www.freep.com/article/20130518/SPORTS03/305180054/tony-mitchell-NBA-draft-combine-detroit-pistons