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The Breakfast Buffet: Davion Mitchell, St. John’s-Villanova, Colin Castleton

Who’s hungry for college basketball?

Here’s today’s installment of “The Breakfast Buffet”, a daily column that can be found here every single morning getting you caught up to date on everything that’s happened from the day/night before and everything that’s going to happen in the next 24 hours.

Mangia!

Things To Sample

Davion Mitchell is an All-American
Two All-Americans in the same back court? You better believe it. Everyone knows that Jared Butler is one of the best guards in all of college basketball, but Mitchell isn’t far behind. After excelling as one of the sport’s top defenders last season, Mitchell has become a completely different player offensively. The 6-2 guard had 27 points in Tuesday night’s 83-69 win at Texas was 5-7 from three-point range. After shooting 40.9 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from long distance a year ago, Mitchell is now shooting 54.1 percent from the field and 49.4 percent from three-point range. His ascension is one of the many reasons that Baylor (17-0) has a legitimate chance to enter the NCAA Tournament undefeated.

St. John’s can play its way into the bubble discussion with a win over Villanova
Mike Anderson has completely stabilized the floor of the Red Storm’s program since he was hired in 2019. Tonight may give an indication of how high the ceiling is. St. John’s (11-7) has won four straight games and is playing its best basketball of the season entering tonight’s game against Villanova at Carnesecca Arena. A win would firmly put the Red Storm in the NCAA Tournament discussion. This is the biggest game that Anderson has coached since he took his current post 21 months ago. Tip off for tonight’s game is at 9 PM ET on CBS Sports Network.

Colin Castleton may be the most improved player in college basketball 
After two years at Michigan where he never averaged more than 7.9 minutes, Castleton has become a revelation at Florida. The 6-11 big man has become an integral piece in the pivot for the Gators and his success has directly correlated to Florida’s recent three-game winning streak. In 13 games this season, Castleton has already scored more points and blocked more shots than he did in first two years at Michigan combined before transferring to Gainesville. He’s currently averaging 13.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks as Florida’s starting center after averaging 3.1 points and 2.4 rebounds a year ago in Ann Arbor. 

On The Side

  • Kevin McCullar is starting to get into a rhythm for Texas Tech. After missing the start of the season due to an ankle injury, McCullar is becoming a major factor in Lubbock. In his last six games, the 6-6 guard has scored in double figures five times and has also grabbed at least eight rebounds five times during that span. This kid is a player.
  • LSU is 6-0 this season in games where it gives up 75 points or less. The problem for the Tigers? They play Alabama tonight in Tuscaloosa. This is another big game for both programs that doesn’t begin with a kickoff. 
  • Loyola Chicago’s longest winning streak when it reached the Final Four in 2018 was 14 games. It can eclipse that if it wins every remaining regular season game on its schedule. The Ramblers have currently won eight straight and are 15-3 overall. 
  • Virginia Tech needs Jalen Cone back on track. The Hokies’ diminutive scorer is averaging just three points over his last four games and is only 4-25 from three-point range during that span. Mike Young’s squad is on the road tonight at Pitt. 
  • Here’s a crazy thought: Kansas could make the NCAA Tournament and finish seventh in the Big 12 standings. The Jayhawks have never finished lower than third in the league under Bill Self. 

Daily Specials

  • Houston at East Carolina
  • LSU at Alabama
  • Seton Hall at Providence
  • Virginia at NC State
  • Villanova at St. John’s

Leftovers: