3 breakout candidates for Texas basketball for the 2022-23 season

Dillon Mitchell, SF

Potentially the most talented player on the roster for Beard and the Longhorns this offseason is the former elite five-star recruit and incoming freshman small forward Dillon Mitchell. As one of the two uber-talented five-star signees in the Longhorns 2022 recruiting class, Mitchell will likely start right away for the Longhorns next season.

Not only does Mitchell have the ability to make a big splash impact right away for Texas’ starting unit, but he also has some NBA Draft Lottery-caliber tools that will take this team to the next level on both ends of the floor.

That will be a common theme among some of the new additions for Texas heading into next season compared to last year’s team. Texas has some playmakers and physical freaks that bring the talent level to new heights.

Mitchell is an elite offensive creator that can essentially play at any position between the one and the four for the Longhorns. The same goes for the future NBA 6-foot-8 forward on the defensive end of the floor.

And while Mitchell still has some room to grow in terms of his off-ball defense and shot selection, his natural tools make him a special player for this team. His length and quickness off-the-dribble will make him a tough cover that opens up a lot of space for his Longhorn teammates.

But Mitchell also has a lethal right hand when he drives to the rim and his mid-range jumper is often slept on. He’s still improving his outside shooting. But from what we’ve heard coming out of workouts so far this offseason, Mitchell has improved in that regard.

If Mitchell can put it all together in Big 12 play next season in terms of his shot selection and outside shooting efficiency, then he’ll truly live up to that draft lottery billing he’s got from NBA scouts.