Jake Mitchell is a sophomore point guard for Faulkner University, averaging just under 10 points per game for the Eagles. He is a former Mars Hill standout, where he played for his father, Mike Mitchell.

1. What’s been the biggest challenge of adjusting from playing Class 2A high school basketball to playing in a very good NAIA conference?

Answer: The biggest challenge has been adjusting to the speed of the game. Coming from 2A ball, I was one of the fastest guys on the court. But when I came down here to Faulkner, everybody was as quick and bigger than me. I’m having to think more rather than relying on my athleticism.

2. What things did you learn from your dad that you’ve incorporated into being a successful college basketball player?

Answer: Playing for my dad for so long made me be able to better coach myself. I’m not as high-maintenance of a player. He helped me develop knowledge of the game. I know what I did wrong and how to correct it, and the coach doesn’t have to get onto me as much.

3. What’s been the biggest difference in playing for a coach other than your dad?

Answer: A lot of times my dad let me play through my mistakes, but when I came down here and was messing up, the coach would get on to me a lot more. He didn’t know how to handle me as much as my dad. It took some time to get used to.

4. What’s been the best part of being a college basketball player?

Answer: It’s so much different being on a college team than high school (The players) are like brothers. We work hard and go through training together and that really forges a bond between us.

5. What are your personal goals for this season?

Answer: Personally, I’d like to continue to get better. I’m still adjusting to the level I’m playing at. I need to continue to get better to be the leader I need to be at point guard.