UNIVERSITY OF Akron freshman Kobe Mitchell, who is a Harrison Central graduate, watches the Zips go through warm-up drills prior to Tuesday’s season opener in Columbus at Ohio State.

COLUMBUS — Name the year and sport and Kobe Mitchell has been accustomed to being on the court or field for basically the duration of the game.

The Harrison Central High School graduate is in the middle of an adjustment period at this point, however.

Because, for the first time that he can remember, he’s sitting on the bench and watching rather than playing.

Don’t spend much time thinking that the current University of Akron basketball player is discouraged. Because he’s not.

“It was definitely weird not playing in a game that I was a part of, but it’s all part of God’s plan,” Mitchell said after the game. “I am trusting the process.”

Mitchell was on the bench Tuesday night when the Zips dropped their opener, 67-66, to No. 17 ranked Ohio State inside the Schottenstein Center.

He was on the floor during pre-game shootaround, but didn’t dress for the game. Barring injuries or something unforeseen, that’ll be the status quo for the duration of the season for Mitchell.

He was informed just a few days before opening night that he was going be red shirted, preserving a year of eligibility to allow him the opportunity to grow, mature, adjust and continue to improve to the rigors of major college basketball.

“I realize that’s the best move for me and this team,” Mitchell said. “Whatever comes with that, I am willing to do and accept.”

During the course of the entire game, Mitchell was heavily engaged, rooting on his teammates, being attentive in the huddle and taking in everything about his first taste of college sports.

“It was very different from high school, but a great experience to be able to sit there and watch guys, who are much older than me, to see how they play and the speed of the game,” Mitchell said. “I think it’s going to be a great experience for me. I have to do things to help the team even if I am not playing and that’s practicing hard to help my teammates get better and encouraging everyone from the bench.”

Like many true freshmen, across the country, Mitchell is feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. College basketball teams, especially at the mid-major level, are battling a numbers game because players were granted an extra year, meaning minutes can be hard to come by.

Mitchell didn’t pinpoint just one area in which a red shirt will be beneficial to him. There were multiple things such as physical improvement, skill development, being as in tune with the system as possible.

“This year will be big for me, and I am looking forward to making the most of it,” Mitchell said.

Since arriving at Akron in June, Mitchell has adjusted well and feels his game is evolving.

“Both on and off the court, things are going well,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell noticed several familiar faces in the crowd on Tuesday. That is something the former multi-sport All-Ohio certainly appreciated.

“That support means everything to me, and honestly, that school and community is why I am able to here,” Mitchell admitted. “I will never forget where I came from.”