Chris Beard landed his first commit as the head coach at Texas on Thursday in four-star forward Jaylon Tyson. The former Texas Tech signee requested a release from his national letter of intent and switched over, following Beard to Austin.
Texas is still in the running for a couple of 2021 prospects, most notably four-star point guard TyTy Washington. The Arizona native was extended an offer by the Longhorns on Thursday, putting them squarely in contention for the former Creighton commit.
When head coach Greg McDermott was under fire for some controversial remarks, Washington announced his decommitment from the Big East program on March 11. Eight programs have reached out within a week, most notably Arizona, Kansas, Texas Tech, and UCLA.
Washington has not set a decision date yet.
AGTG Blessed to receive an offer from University of Texas‼️ pic.twitter.com/iLj7dtkkD6
— Tyty Washington (@tytywashington3) April 8, 2021
On the 247Sports composite, Washington is the No. 30 overall player. Within the state of Arizona, he is the No. 2 player, only behind five-star forward and projected G-League player Michael Foster. Washington is the No. 3 point guard in the 2021 class.
Tamar Bates was supposed to be reinforcements for the plethora of potential guards leaving this offseason. After Shaka Smart left for Marquette, the four-star requested a release from his national letter of intent. Beard is still attempting to bring Bates back, but other options are being explored.
Landing Washington would not only soften the blow of losing Bates but possibly provide an upgrade.