Mitchell ready to impress this season

After making a national name for himself at the AAU Nationals in Orlando, Casey Mitchell is afraid coaches may not recognize him this year at Savannah (Ga.) High School. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard has trimmed his body down and added more explosiveness to his arsenal.

After living on a salad and water diet and running everyday, Mitchell has gone from 230-pounds to a svelte 212-pound frame. Mitchell is hoping his new body gives him more quickness and added confidence in his senior season.

"Before, when I was bigger, I could still take guards that were smaller than me down to the post and work them there," Mitchell said. "Now, I'm a lot quicker and they can't keep up with me. A lot of people are going to be surprised that I'm quicker."

Known primarily as a power scorer with great range on his jumper, Mitchell is excited to show off is new body and new game to the college coaches. He's been a guy that is on the radar but not too many offer lists. He's hoping that changes with a strong senior season. His Savannah team returns a majority of players from last year's 21-7 team.

Mitchell said he's hearing from Alabama, Cincinnati, Georgia, Georgia State, Jacksonville, South Florida, UNC-Wilmington and Winthrop and holding offers from Cincy, Georgia State and UNC-Wilmington. He said he hopes to hear from NC State and Pitt this season.

Still armed with all five official visits, Mitchell said he's looking forward to making trips during the basketball season. He said he plans on visiting Cincinnati during the season for a Big East game.

"I'm still open," Mitchell said. "But my top four is Cincinnati, Alabama, Georgia and Georgia State."

Mitchell says he isn't looking for the glitz and glamour but rather an opportunity to play and get a free education.

"I'm hoping to get a full scholarship and a place where I can study Criminal Justice or Business Marketing," Mitchell said. "Before I make my choice, I'd like to know about their recruiting class because I want to want until I'm a junior or senior to play. I want to make an impact from day one."