Transfer forward Dillon Mitchell ranks Auburn in top-three following visit

Along with Auburn, Mitchell has Cincinnati and Miami listed among his top-three schools.

Former five-star recruit and Texas forward [autotag]Dillon Mitchell[/autotag] came away with nothing but positive reviews following his visit to Auburn on Tuesday. The Tampa, Florida native, who visited Auburn during his high school recruitment, said his second trip to the Plains was “pretty dope”.

More specifically, Mitchell cited the history of the winning culture the Tigers have enjoyed under head coach [autotag]Bruce Pearl[/autotag]. That culture, along with the fact Pearl has developed players with the same skillset as Mitchell into NBA Draft picks, is the main reason the 6-foot-8 impending junior has Auburn listed in his top 3 destinations.

The talented forward specifically mentioned the career arc of former Tiger and current Cleveland Cavalier [autotag]Issac Okoro[/autotag]. “Isaac Okoro, you look down the line of those big wings he’s gotten to the next level. That would be the ultimate decision as far as my decision to come here, if I were to come here. The history of Auburn, the history of Pearl, who he’s gotten to the next level, the winning culture, those are all things I’m looking at.”

Along with Auburn, Mitchell has Cincinnati and Miami listed among his top 3 schools. Out of those three, Mitchell’s most direct path to stardom is likely with the Bearcats, as both Auburn ([autotag]Johni Broome[/autotag]) and Miami (Norchad Omier) already roster uber-talented front-court options.

Even with Broome blocking Mitchell’s chance to be “the guy” in Auburn, the forward sees himself as a fit on the Tigers roster, “They have a team full of position-less guys. Switching one through five, that’s one thing, I’m big on the defensive end. I can get out and guard and can run, a lot of things that fit my playing style.”

The coveted transfer is still days, and possibly weeks, away from making his decision, but he could be closer to becoming a Tiger after a successful visit. If Bruce Pearl was able to land his talents, Auburn’s rotation would look to be almost set heading into next season.

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Warriors are ‘zeroing in on’ at least 7 prospects for the 2020 NBA Draft

With the NBA draft approaching, the Warriors are locking in on a group of prospects.

In years past, the Golden State Warriors have spent the month of March preparing for the playoffs. With the worst record in the league in the 2019-20 season and only 17 games left on the calendar, the Warriors are turning their attention to the draft.

While the NBA season is on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, the days are still ticking down till June’s upcoming draft. With no opponents scheduled on the calendar, the Warriors are using their time away from game action to study for the upcoming draft class.

Golden State is in line for a top pick in June’s draft, and according to Steve Kerr, the Warriors have narrowed their search to “seven or eight” prospects.

On Thursday, Kerr joined Tom Tolbert, Rod Brooks and Larry Krueger on KNBR 680 in San Francisco. Golden State’s head coach shared some insight into the Warriors’ draft prep.

Via KNBR:

Bob and his staff kind of gave me about seven or eight college guys that we’re zeroing in on for the draft. So, I’ve been doing that for them and then also for, for some of the free agents.

While the class is filled with intriguing players, there’s not a consensus top overall prospect like years of the past that included Zion Williamson.

Onyeka Okongwu, Deni Avdija and Issac Okoro have tremendous raw potential that could help Golden State in the future. However, with the Warriors eyeing a return at the playoffs, they could opt for a top-billed prospect like Obi Toppin, James Wiseman, Anthony Edwards or LaMelo Ball.

With the NBA not scheduled to return until further notice, the Warriors will have plenty of time to find the player that fits their plan.

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