Freshman JoJo Mitchell III Joins St. Thomas Basketball
The former Cretin-Derham Hall standout begins his collegiate career with the St. Thomas men's basketball program.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Basketball
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Freshman guard JoJo Mitchell III has officially joined the St. Thomas men's basketball team. The Saint Paul native enters the university after a successful tenure at Cretin-Derham Hall High School.
Why it matters
The recruitment of Mitchell reflects a multi-year effort by coach Johnny Tauer, who monitored the player from his freshman through senior years of high school. His arrival marks a significant transition for the local prospect as he begins his studies in business.
JoJo Mitchell III stands 6-2 and joins the roster following an intensive period of summer workouts designed to build strength and speed.
The players
JoJo Mitchell III
He is a freshman basketball player for St. Thomas and a graduate of Cretin-Derham Hall High School.
Johnny Tauer
He serves as the head coach for the St. Thomas men's basketball team and led the recruitment of Mitchell.
Joseph Mitchell Jr.
He is the father of JoJo Mitchell III.
Judah Mitchell
He is a junior currently attending Bloomington Kennedy High School and is the brother of JoJo Mitchell III.
The details
Mitchell committed to the university after a competitive recruiting process led by coach Johnny Tauer. The freshman intends to balance his athletic commitments with a focus on his business studies.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: The start of the collegiate basketball season for the freshman.
Season Trajectory
Mitchell's integration into the rotation is a key development following the St. Thomas transition to NCAA Division I. The program continues to prioritize the recruitment of standout local players to bolster its competitive standing in the conference.
The addition of Mitchell provides the team with a new backcourt option for the 2026-2027 season. Fans and analysts will monitor how his speed and strength adjustments translate to Division I defensive intensity.
The takeaway
Mitchell represents the ongoing pipeline of local talent moving from Minnesota high schools to the university level. He serves as an example for student-athletes balancing academic business goals with the rigorous demands of college sports.
Further reading
For more on the team's current roster, visit the Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
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