1st February 2025

Fresh outta customs, we're pumped to welcome big man Makhel Mitchell to the Property Brokers Jets for '25!

6’10 forward/center Mitchell hails from Washington, DC. He comes to New Zealand fresh off his season playing University hoops with the Little Rock Trojans in Arkansas and, before that, with the Arkansas Razorbacks.

"Makhel Mitchell is a powerful 6’10 basketball player with great athleticism. I'm really excited to have a player of his calibre on the roster and believe he will make a big impact for us this season. I am certain the Jet's fans will enjoy watching him play." Coach Webster

Makhel started his collegiate career close to home in Maryland, where he appeared in ten games with the University of Maryland. After one season with the Terrapins, Mitchell moved to Rhode Island in 2020, where he found success in a starting role during his two-year tenure with the Rhode Island Rams.

The South was calling, so Mitchell moved states in 2022, enrolled at the University of Arkansas, and played for the Razorbacks between 2022 and 2023. Mitchell is a certified presence in the post who can attack the rim and outplay the competition on both ends. During his season with the Razorbacks, he was 4th in the SEC in blocked shots, averaging 11.4 PPG, 10.0 RPG, and 4.7 blocked shots.

Mitchell finished the 2022-23 season fourth in the Southeastern Conference and 59th in the NCAA in blocked shots, while in conference-only games, he ranked second, averaging 2.07 blocked shots per game. Against Texas A&M and on his birthday, he recorded a career-high 13 rebounds and recorded seven blocked shots.  He scored a career-high 15 points at Kentucky, going 7 of 9 from the field.

Mitchell has never been alone throughout his basketball career across the USA. His twin brother Makhi (who is two minutes older) plays alongside him at every stop on the same squad. While Makhi decided to stay with the Razorbacks, Makhel signed with the Little Rock Trojans in 2024.

"I can't wait to touch down in New Zealand soon and get to work with the squad and Coach Webster. Our Jets fans can expect big things in 2025,” says Makhel on his signing and upcoming season in the NZNBL.

We're excited to be the next stop in Makhel's professional career and have high hopes of a twin reunion in NZ if both Mitchell brothers sign with the NZNBL. We can't wait to welcome him to Aotearoa and Palmy and watch him fly in The Hangar!

Free agency for the 2025 Sal's NBL season is currently in play, and as we lock in our roster for 2025, we have some exciting announcements to come. Keep up to date with all the latest Jets news by following us on our socials @jetsbasketballnz on Instagram, Facebook, and X.  

About Property Brokers Jets:

At the heart of Jets Basketball is community. As one of the eight founding teams of the National Basketball League (NBL) in 1982, the Jets have proudly represented the Manawatū region. Over the years, the team has reached two NBL finals, in 1992 and 2020. Originally known as the Palmerston North Jets, the team expanded its regional focus and rebranded to the Manawatū Jets in 2002. Despite a brief hiatus in 2015, the Jets made a successful return to the league in 2018, reigniting their commitment to the sport and the community.

Today, the Jets’ vision extends beyond the court. It's about fostering a love for basketball and providing opportunities for kids across Manawatū. Whether they're playing in schoolyards, local playgrounds, or competitions at the Arena, our mission is to open doors for every child who dreams of reaching the highest level of the sport. At the Property Brokers Jets, we’re not just building a team; we’re building a future for the next generation of basketball players.