Mitchell twins make early pledge to Maryland

They’ve said from the beginning that they’re a package deal that only intends on playing college ball for the same team, and now everyone knows which team that will be with Forestville (Md.) Bishop McNamara 2019 four-star big men Makhi and Makhel Mitchell both committing to Maryland on Aug. 4.

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Makhel recently told TSR at the Under Armour All-America Camp at Philadelphia University that the Terps were among the programs showing him and his brother the most love as of late, and clearly it was enough to get the twins from the DMV to pledge to their hometown school early in their recruitment over other top contenders such as Georgetown, Georgia, Memphis, NC State and Rutgers.

Makhel also added at the Under Armour camp that he and his brother’s desire to stay home for college has always been strong.

“I would like to stay home, stay in front of a crowd that I know very well, and play in front of my mother,” Makhel said.

But perhaps the biggest factor that played a role in both 6-foot-9 centers committing to Maryland is their relationship with Terps assistant coach Kevin Broadus, who brought his longstanding relationship with the Mitchell twins from his time recruiting them as a member of the Georgetown staff over with him to College Park.

“[Broadus] says Maryland is just a good school and asks, ‘Why not come?’ It’s close to family and close to home,’” Makhel said. “He tells us what we need to do--good habits, bad habits, free throws. He just tells us how to improve our game.”

Maryland was one of the first high-major programs to start recruiting the Mitchell twins, dating back to their freshman season. They’ve always felt prioritized by the Terps staff and have enjoyed their many unofficial visits to College Park.

"Just Mark Turgeon showing us love," Makhi has told TSR in the past as to why he and his brother like Maryland so much. "And there's good people over there. I like going to the games because it's intense. The crowd is pretty good and the floor is one of the best floors in college basketball.”

Rivals currently ranks Makhi No. 48 in the Rivals150 and twin brother Makhel No. 107.

With their commitment to Maryland, the Makhi and Makhel Mitchell are the first pledges to the Terps 2019 class.