Tag: Dillon Mitchell

Texas’ Dillon Mitchell declares for NBA draft, to maintain eligibility

Mitchell, a former five-star prospect from the Montverde Academy, averaged 4.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in 38 games.

Texas freshman Dillon Mitchell announced this week on social media that he will declare for the 2023 NBA draft while retaining the right to return to school next season.

Mitchell, a former five-star prospect from the Montverde Academy, averaged 4.3 points and 3.9 rebounds on 63.6% shooting from the field in 38 games. He scored in double figures six times, including a season-high 16 points on Dec. 27.

The 6-foot-8 forward entered the season projected to be a lottery pick but is viewed as a potential second-round pick after an underwhelming year. He still flashed his athleticism and energy in spurts and proved a strong rebounder in his 17.5 minutes per game.

Mitchell will have the opportunity to gain feedback on his draft stock from teams throughout the process in workouts and interviews. He could opt to return to school next season but is expected to keep his name in the draft.

He will have until May 31 to withdraw and maintain his eligibility.

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Texas F Dillon Mitchell declares for NBA Draft, retains eligibility

Texas basketball is going to look a lot different next season.

Texas forward Dillon Mitchell made big news on Wednesday. The big time player declared for the NBA Draft.

While the news is suboptimal for the Longhorns next season, Mitchell still appears open to returning to the team. The talented forward posted to social media announcing that while he declares for the draft, he still maintains eligibility.

There aren’t many players from the team’s Elite Eight roster that intend to return for next season. Not long ago, Rowan Brumbaugh announced his transfer to play basketball at Georgetown. Arterio Morris let the public know he would enter the transfer portal as well.

Forward Brock Cunningham is one of the few set to return to the team. There’s a possibility that NCAA Tournament scoring hero Dylan Disu returns as could Tyrese Hunter and Mitchell if they are turned down by NBA teams.

Frankly, Texas needs all four of those possible returnees and as many as 6 transfers to field a team comparable to last season’s squad. After striking out on multiple early targets, new head coach Rodney Terry needs to start winning some of his portal recruitments quickly.

Texas will hold out hope that Mitchell, Disu and Hunter return to the team next season.

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Texas fans react as Iowa State player undercuts SF Dillon Mitchell

That was hardly a good, hard foul.

Whenever Texas travels to Ames to face Iowa State, the games can get chippy. Tuesday’s basketball game was no different for the Longhorns.

The Iowa State crowd did a great job of bringing a loud, raucous environment to set the tone for the game. Cyclone fans showed up ready to fire up their team and they did just that.

Some Iowa State players appeared to cross the line from chippy to personal. While it’s good to avoid judging motives and reading into a player’s intentions, it’s hard to see how this Cyclone did not intend to cause harm with an unprovoked cheap shot.

Later in the first half, officials stepped in to crack down on another Iowa State player attempting to get under the Texas players’ skin.

Here’s how Texas fans reacted to the foul.

2023 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Wembanyama, Henderson on top; Freshmen rising in latest projections

Rookie Wire took a look at where the next draft class stands at the midway point of the season.

The 2022-23 basketball season is in full swing as the next wave of prospects across the college level and the professional ranks look ahead to the 2023 NBA draft on June 22.

Of course, Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson remain at the top of draft boards at the start of the new year. Both could shut down their seasons right now and still be viewed as the best two players in the class. In other words: They are locked in at Nos. 1 and 2.

Elsewhere, though, fortunes change seemingly nightly.

Several prospects have improved upon their preseason rankings, while others have struggled and had their stock fall. The latest look at the class even has several freshmen on the rise after some impressive performances through the first half of the year.

Rookie Wire took a look at where the first round stands at the midway point of the season. It is important to note that team needs were not necessarily taken into account with each pick. The projections are rather a look at where each individual player stands at this point of the process.

Note: The order of the draft was pulled from Tankathon as of Jan. 10. The draft will have only 58 picks this year because the Bulls and Sixers were stripped of their second-round picks by the NBA due to tampering violations.

Social media reacts as No. 11 Texas topples No. 2 Gonzaga

Texas’ win over Gonzaga sparked tons of excitement.

Texas’ 2022-23 college basketball season is off to a fantastic start with a statement victory over No. 2 Gonzaga. Chris Beard’s squad proved themselves as a legitimate contender on the big stage with the win.

The Moody Center was rocking behind an inspired Longhorns performance.  Every shot Texas made from start to finish was responded to by an erupting crowd reaction. A pair of Dillon Mitchell dunks toward the end of the game had the roof ready to fall off.

It was a dominant showing for Texas at every position group but guards Tyrese Hunter and Marcus Carr led the charge. Hunter finished with a career-high 26 points in this premier matchup. Carr added 16 points of his own as the Texas backcourt looks like a force to be reckoned with.

Texas’ victory over Gonzaga sparked tons of excitement on social media. Here is a look at some of Twitter’s best reactions to the Horns ‘massive win on Wednesday night.

2023 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: An early look at the top prospects next year

Rookie Wire took a very early look at the next rookie class and some of the top prospects to monitor over the course of the 2022-23 season.

With the basketball world over a month removed from the NBA draft, many have started to look ahead to the next rookie class and which prospects may be available.

The class is headlined by French phenom Victor Wembanyama, who is considered one of the top prospects in recent memory. He has performed well in the top basketball league in France and looks to already be locked in as the top pick in 2023.

Elsewhere, there are several other prospects that will be worth monitoring over the course of next season. The rankings will certainly change but it can be a productive exercise to see how prospects moved up and down draft boards ahead of next year.

Rookie Wire took a very early look at the next rookie class and some of the top prospects to monitor as the 2022-23 season approaches in a couple of months.

Note: The order of the draft was determined by the reverse championship odds set by Tipico Sportsbook. The 2023 draft will only have 59 picks after the Bulls were stripped of their second-round pick by the NBA due to a tampering violation involving the signing of Lonzo Ball.

Predicting Texas’ starting five after the Tyrese Hunter commitment

Texas’ starting five will be very interesting next season.

After several years of disappointing March Madness appearances under Shaka Smart, the Longhorns exercised their demons and advanced to the second round under Chris Beard.

The former Texas Tech coach is looking to build on his success that he had in his first season as the Texas head coach, and he seems to be acquiring even more talent than he was last year. Prior to this past season, Beard was able to build up Texas’ roster by bringing in elite transfers such as Timmy Allen and Marcus Carr.

This offseason, Beard not only brought in one of the top transfers in Tyrese Hunter, who won Big 12 Freshman of the Year, but was also able to bring in a strong recruiting class. The class is headlined by five-stars Arterio Morris and Dillon Mitchell who are both expected to provide majors boosts to the roster.

However, even with all this new accumulated talent and returning talent, the Longhorns are still poised to be a shooting deficient team that lacks a big man. The lack of big man remains true even if Dylan Disu chooses to return, as he is going through the NBA draft process. They will have talented individuals, but whether or not all of these players can mesh is yet to be seen. Beard might have to go against his instinct and have a much quicker offense in order to make up for the lack of shooting and size.

Here is what I think the starting five will look like, using just the players currently on the roster.

Texas signee Dillon Mitchell wins Jordan Brand Classic MVP

The Longhorns signee showed out when playing among the nation’s top players.

The reasons for excitement surrounding Texas basketball signee Dillon Mitchell continue to grow.

After a strong showing in the McDonald’s All-American game, the athletic five-star forward out of basketball powerhouse Montverde Academy put on a show during Friday’s Jordan Brand Classic.

Mitchell helped lead Team Air to a 118-109 victory over Team Flight, contributing 18 points. By being invited to participate in the the illustrious Jordan Brand Classic, Mitchell became the 16th Longhorn to participate, and the first since 2017 when Mo Bamba and Matt Coleman partook in the festivities.

Mitchell’s strong performance in helping Team Air to their victory also helped him earn the team’s MVP honors.

Mitchell’s pro player comparison by 247Sports’ director of scouting Jerry Meyer is current Charlotte Hornet, Kelly Oubre. Here is what Texas is getting in Mitchell.

At 6-7 has a long and thin build. Does need to build strength but has electric athleticism. Bouncy and runs like a gazelle. One of the top athletes in the 2022 class. A lefty with a sidewinder shot. His long distance shot is his main weakness, but it is improving and solid in the midrange. Excels at attacking the rim and finishing with authority. Is a high level rebounder who can initiate the break. Handles the ball well and sees the court and has a feel for passing. Can also run the lanes at an elite level. Defense is perhaps his best attribute. Can be a shut down defender. Versatile as well. Tough to find a player he can’t guard.

Mitchell is the No. 14 ranked player in 247Sports’ composite rankings, and headlines Texas’ No. 11 ranked 2022 class in which he is joined by fellow five-star Arterio Morris, and four-star Rowan Brumbaugh.

WATCH: Texas basketball signees shine during McDonald’s All-American Game

Two future Longhorns had some highlight reel plays.

Two future Longhorn hoopers had the opportunity to play in the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game.

Five-star forward Dillon Mitchell and five-star point guard Arterio Morris both suited up for the East team on Tuesday night, and the duo helped lead their team to a blowout victory of the West team. Their appearance in the game marks the No. 21 and No. 22 players in Texas history to participate.

The East easily overwhelmed the West en route to their 24-point victory, and both Mitchell and Morris had moments where they were standing out amongst the nation’s best high school players.

Mitchell, who ranks as the No. 14 overall recruit in the country, finished the game with nine points, four rebounds, and two assists. He also had some extremely acrobatic finishes and dunks.

Morris, the No. 19 overall recruit who was originally slated to play for the West team but was switched to the east squad after some players were unable to play, finished with 12 points, three assists, and one steal. He and Mitchell both showed flashes that should have Longhorns fans excited.

Morris and Mitchell are accompanied by four-star guard Rowan Brumbaugh in Texas’ 2022 recruiting class and will look to help continue the momentum Texas built under Chris Beard in year one.

WATCH: Texas commit Dillon Mitchell throws down monster putback dunk

The future Longhorn threw up a crazy dunk against IMG!

While Texas’ basketball team is still trying to figure out their identity, the future of the program is making waves on the high school basketball scene.

Five-star commit Dillon Mitchell, who plays at basketball powerhouse Montverde Academy, made a highlight reel play during Montverde’s recent game.

Mitchell led Montverde against IMG, and had what many are considering the play of the game when he grabbed the rebound off his own miss and slammed it in for the putback dunk.

Mitchell is a very versatile player that currently ranks as the No. 27 overall player in the 2022 class according to 247Sports composite rankings. Here is 247Sports’ director of basketball scouting Jerry Meyer’s evaluation of the future Longhorn:

At 6-7 has a long and thin build. Does need to build strength but has electric athleticism. Bouncy and runs like a gazelle. One of the top athletes in the 2022 class. A lefty with a sidewinder shot. His long distance shot is his main weakness, but it is improving and solid in the midrange. Excels at attacking the rim and finishing with authority. Is a high level rebounder who can initiate the break. Handles the ball well and sees the court and has a feel for passing. Can also run the lanes at an elite level. Defense is perhaps his best attribute. Can be a shut down defender. Versatile as well. Tough to find a player he can’t guard.

Mitchell is joined by fellow five-star Arterio Morris and four-star Rowan Brumbaugh as Longhorns pledges. The three of them currently have Texas’ 2022 class ranked No. 13 class in the nation.

Chris Beard and Longhorns fans continue to have reasons to be excited for the future with players with Mitchell’s skillset only helping the future of the program.