SAN DIEGO — Going back to his AAU days, Dillon Mitchell was always a difference-maker on the defensive end, a major part of the reason he was a five-star recruit coming out of high school at Montverde Academy in Florida.
That ability to protect the rim and defend on the perimeter at his size separated him from others.
That defensive versatility has made him a criticalPe piece for St. John’s.
“His length and his athletic ability is incredible,” coach Rick Pitino said Saturday, ahead of the second-round meeting between No. 4 Kansas and No. 5 St. John’s at Viejas Arena. Sunday afternoon, the 6-foot-8 Mitchell will be put to the test on that end of the floor.
While both Pitino and Mitchell wouldn’t reveal the exact plan against Kansas superstar freshman Darryn Peterson, it seems obvious Mitchell will see plenty of time on the 6-foot-6 guard.
“It’s NBA moves that he does. He can score it at all three levels,” Mitchell said. “Just his pace, he’s able to get guys in foul trouble, which we have to make sure he knows he does that.”
Peterson is the potential No. 1 pick in June’s draft, a gifted scorer averaging 20.1 points and shooting 38.2 percent from 3-point range.
Mitchell has fared well stopping shotmaking guards this season, but Peterson is different.
What has slowed him down this year is a myriad of injuries, not any particular player or team.
He is coming off a 26-point performance in his NCAA Tournament opener Friday.
“He’s got a beautiful-looking jump shot with great arc. His size presents a problem,” Pitino said. “When he uses the pick-and-roll, he’ll reject it, and his size getting to the rim is great. He’s a great scorer. He’s going to be a great NBA player because he has an NBA game. And we’ve got our work cut out trying to stop him.”
Fortunately for St. John’s, it may have an answer for Peterson, or at least someone who could possibly slow him down.
Mitchell has always liked the challenge of defending the top player on the opposing team.
“It’s always been my calling card, something I prided myself on,” he said. “Even Coach P has helped me get better at it, all aspects of the defensive side.”
