November 4, 2021
Indiana Fever Guard Kelsey Mitchell suffers broken nose, will miss Team USA action
By Tony East
This injury will cause her to miss out on playing for Team USA with the 2021 3×3 Women’s AmeriCup Team
Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell suffered a broken nose in recent game action and had surgery as a result, the Fever announced earlier this week. The surgery took place in Indianapolis. Mitchell had been playing for Neve David Ramla in Israel.
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Mitchell’s recovery timeline is unknown. But this injury will cause her to miss out on playing for Team USA with the 2021 3×3 Women’s AmeriCup Team, multiple sources confirmed to The Next. Training camp is set to begin on Sunday for the 3-on-3 squad, which also features Cierra Burdick, Brionna Jones, and Alexis Peterson. Joe Lewandowski is coaching the group.
The Ohio State University product will be replaced on the team, with an announcement naming her substitute expected later this week. Mitchell’s spot on the 3×3 squad for the inaugural FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup was announced back on Oct. 25. “Let’s Go!,” Connecticut Sun Head Coach Curt Miller tweeted after the team was publicized.
Mitchell, who posted averages of 27.5 points and 3.0 assists per game with Neve David Ramla last month, is “expected to return to play as soon as she is fully recovered,” per the release. This injury should have no bearing on the Fever’s offseason plans, as the 25-year old guard is still under contract next season. And is nearly certain to be ready to play by the start of training camp in 2022.
Kelsey led Indiana in scoring this past season and was often the team’s most reliable offensive weapon. Overseas, she was also tops on her squad in points per game, though 2021 Fever teammate Emma Cannon was close behind her at 26.8 points per contest.
The 2021 USA 3×3 Women’s AmeriCup Team begins game action on Nov. 13 against Venezuela. The Gold Medal Game will take place the following day. Mitchell’s replacement on the roster is not currently known.
UPDATE Nov. 5, 12:00 PM: USA basketball has made this official. Blake Dietrick will replace Mitchell on the team.
Howard Megdal contributed reporting to this story.
Written by Tony East
Indiana Fever reporter based in Indianapolis. Enjoy a good statistical-based argument.
