Projecting Texas basketball’s starting 5 with Tyrese Hunter
Forward: Dillon Mitchell
Another one of the most intriguing pieces that the Longhorns have coming into the mix for next season is the former elite five-star recruit and Montverde Academy forward Dillon Mitchell. As the highest-rated signee in the Longhorns 2022 class, Mitchell is already building up some hype as a 2023 NBA Draft Lottery pick.
And the 6-foot-7 and 200-pound Mitchell definitely has the potential to be one of the top wings/forwards in the 2023 NBA Draft class. Although, Mitchell will have to show how switchable and versatile he can be on both ends of the floor next season if he wants to prove the hype building up his draft stock entering the summer months.
Moreover, Mitchell might be the most important piece to the Longhorns’ ability to play small-ball in the starting unit. Mitchell’s ability to play at any position between the two and the four with ease makes him the multiple piece that Beard needs to make this all work.
Mitchell is an athletically-gifted and smart player on and off the ball on both ends of the floor, allowing him to successfully handle most matchups that come his way. He’s also a talented shot creator and playmaker on the offensive end of the floor. Mitchell can be a steady source of offense on off nights for Hunter, or when the former Cyclone is on the bench.
If Mitchell does start at the four early next season for Beard and the Longhorns, that would likely place the rising senior gritty forward Brock Cunningham as his backup. Cunningham gives the Longhorns another gritty and stout defensive forward that could play in a small-ball lineup if needed.