After a stellar high school career at Schenectady Mount Pleasant High School, Brendan Mitchell went to North Carolina A&T for a year before joining the U.S. Army. After his term in the service, Mitchell spent three years (1984-87) as a member of the Potsdam men’s basketball team. The fluid star helped lead the team to three East Regional Championships, a national-runner-up and a national title.
“Brendan was one of the most talented players we had but people don’t realize he was also one of the most intelligent,” former Potsdam coach Jerry Welsh said. “He played the post for us but also handled the ball better than many guards. It wasn’t uncommon to see him outlet the ball to start our fast-break but finish the break as well.”
Mitchell was named first-team All-American twice (1985-86 and 1986-87) and NCAA Division III National Player of the Year his final season. During his three-year Potsdam career, the Bears compiled an astounding 90-5 record and Mitchell was part of the 1985-86 undefeated national championship team. He also contributed to the team’s 60-game winning streak during the Bears’ championship era throughout the decade of the ‘80s.
