Texas Basketball: 3 best 2021 NBA Draft prospects among Longhorns

Jericho Sims, C

Among the most significant losses that wasn’t known to be until a few weeks ago is the former standout Texas big man Jericho Sims. Although it’s not guaranteed if Beard and the Longhorns are going to lose Sims to the NBA Draft as of yet, it looks like that would be his first choice. Sims is currently in process of preparing for the 2021 draft as any other prospect in this class.

With the NCAA allowing anyone who played in this past college hoops season in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to have an extra year of eligibility, Sims had the opportunity to return for another season. But he decided to take his talents to the next level, likely with the decision of Smart to leave for Marquette playing a huge role in his decision.

If Texas does get Sims back for next season, that would be huge. But that’s not certain at this point of the offseason.

However, Sims could be a decent find as a second-round draft pick or undrafted free agent signing for some team at the next level this year. He proved in the Big 12 Tournament and postseason that he can be a very solid defender down low, quality rebounder, and a lob threat. That is similar to what a handful of NBA teams got out of ex-Texas big men such as Myles Turner, Jarrett Allen, Jaxson Hayes, etc.

Sims won’t bring the same level of draft hype to the table as the other two former Longhorns big men on this list. He also very likely won’t come close to being a first-round pick in the 2021 draft. But he could make his way onto an NBA roster if he shows out in the Vegas Summer League and does well in Training Camp/the preseason.