Texas Basketball: 3 players that benefit most from NIL law

Tre Mitchell, C

Of the many transfer portal additions for Beard and the Longhorns this offseason, it feels like the one most destined to benefit from the new NIL rules is the former UMass Minutemen star sophomore center Tre Mitchell. At a school like UMass, the opportunities for a player like Mitchell to get the full benefit of NIL could be limited.

But that opportunity should be able to expand for Mitchell behind the brand of the Longhorns and the power of the Big 12. Texas usually funnels through a lot of talent with their men’s hoops program, and the Big 12 tends to be one of the most difficult hoops conferences to play in the entire country.

Mitchell had the type of production and efficiency that put him in the realm of true star status with UMass. If he puts up similar numbers at Texas, then the star will shine very bright for Mitchell on the Forty Acres.

During his 13 games played at UMass last season, Mitchell averaged 18.8 points per game, 7.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.5 blocks. And he shot 52 percent from the field, 37 percent from beyond the arc, and 77 percent from the free-throw line.

And since Mitchell looks like he could be the starting center for Beard and the Longhorns heading into next season, the spotlight on him will be very bright. He would/will be a fan favorite if he has some type of sponsorship deals. Not to mention how excited Texas hoops fans would be to play him his player if the NCAA March Madness video game still existed.