Mitchell Signs with Salem Stampede of the NABL

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Former Willamette University men's basketball player Cameron Mitchell (Sr., Post, 6'7", Portland, OR/Grant HS/Univ. of Redlands) has signed with the Salem Stampede of the National Athletic Basketball League (NABL). The Stampede opens its season tonight (March 27) at The Hoop (3575 Fairview Industrial Drive) against the Seattle Mountaineers at 7:30 p.m. (PDT).

In 2009-10, Mitchell led the Northwest Conference in scoring with 21.1 points per game and in rebounding with 12.5 boards per game. He earned First Team All-Northwest Conference honors for the second consecutive year.

Mitchell also was chosen First Team All-West Region by D3Hoops.com and was named Second Team All-West Region by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). He was one of 10 finalists for the Jostens Trophy, presented each season to the top NCAA Division III player based on athletic accomplishments, academic success and community service.

As a senior, Mitchell recorded 20 double-doubles on his way to scoring 528 points and grabbing 312 rebounds. He scored 10 or more points in all 25 games and tallied 20 or more points 16 times. He shot 57.9% on field goals to rank second in the NWC. He tied for second in the NWC in blocked shots (1.24 avg., 31 total).

Mitchell completed his three years at Willamette with 1,200 points and 791 rebounds in 74 games for the Bearcats. He played at WU from 2007-08 through 2009-10.

Including his freshman season at the University of Redlands (Calif.) in 2006-07, he played in 98 games, with his efforts resulting in 1,342 career points and 959 career rebounds.

"Cameron is truly a franchise type of player," said Salem, President and General Manager Joe Becerra. "He has a great work ethic and attitude. If you look at his stats, it's obvious that he gets a lot of different things accomplished on the court.

"We have been impressed with the things he does that don't come up on the box score as well ... showing up to practice early, outhustling players play-after-play, encouraging teammates on both sides of the ball," Becerra continued.

"I'm excited for this opportunity," Mitchell said. "I think this is a great start for my pro career. The Stampede have a great staff. I know a couple of the guys on the team and they like to play to win."

The NABL is an independent professional basketball league with teams in the Pacific Northwest. Salem will play a total of nine regular season home games.

Following tonight's season opener Salem's remaining home schedule is: April 3 vs. Snohomish County, April 16 vs. Portland, April 24 vs. Tualatin, May 1 vs Tacoma, May 14 vs. Seattle, May 16 vs. Snohomish County, May 29 vs. Portland, June 5 vs. Tualatin. All games will be played at 7:30 p.m. (PDT). Admission is $10 per person.