Mitchell, who was born in Atlanta, played college basketball at Auburn University.

While at Auburn, Mitchell was a four-time All-SEC selection and was named a second-team All-American in his 1977–78 season.

[4] His 9,799 total points scored for the San Antonio Spurs is seventh highest in franchise history, behind Gervin, Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Tony Parker, James Silas, and Manu Ginóbili.

[5] From 1988, until a short return to the Spurs during the 1990 playoffs, Mitchell played in Italy, with Basket Brescia.

He also played in Italy with Basket Napoli, before leaving for the Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, in 1991.