Texas Basketball 2022-23 Player Profile: F Dillon Mitchell

As Texas basketball inches closer to their season opener in the Moody Center against UTEP on Nov. 7, we at Hook’Em Headlines will offer player profiles for everyone on the roster.

Hopes are high entering year two under the Chris Beard regime, as this Texas basketball roster is undoubtedly one of the most talented in the country. A mixture of impact freshmen, transfers, and key returners has the Longhorns poised to make some noise on the national stage.

We have already dove into the previews for Timmy Allen, Marcus Carr, and Tyrese Hunter. Today, we focus on freshman forward Dillon Mitchell.

Dillon Mitchell

After graduating from basketball powerhouse Montverde Academy, Mitchell was one of the highest-rated recruits in the class of 2022. He led the Eagles to a 2022 Boy’s High School Basketball Geico National Championship, scoring 17 points and 12 boards in the victory.

The 6-foot-7 forward was a consensus five-star, ranked as the fifth-best player in the class according to the 247Sports composite rankings.

Mitchell was one of the best athletes in the class of 2022. He is long, rangy, and can jump out of the gym. Mitchell excels in the transition game, where he can show off his long strides, elite ball skills, and bounce.

The main knock on Mitchell’s game is the inconsistency of an outside shot. He is not much of a threat beyond 15 feet. His lefty sidewinder jump shot takes a while to load and looks clunky off of his hand.

Mitchell is one of the most talented freshmen in the country and is poised to have an immediate impact on the Forty Acres. Many 2023 NBA Mock Drafts have him in the top ten, and I would be surprised if he stays more than one season in Austin.

Here is what we should expect from the uber-talented freshman this upcoming season.

Looking ahead to 2022-23 for Texas basketball F Dillon Mitchell

Undoubtedly, Mitchell is one of the most talented freshmen in the country. To be successful this season, the 6-foot-7 forward must embrace his role on a veteran-led Texas team.

Mitchell will likely start in the frontcourt next to Allen and Bishop (or Dylan Disu). He will serve in a pseudo-power forward role and the fourth offensive option in the starting five.

We discussed Mitchell’s strengths and weaknesses earlier. He lacks the jump shot and ball-handling ability to be a genuine offensive threat in the halfcourt. Mitchell must become a good off-ball mover if he wants to be an offensive threat in the halfcourt. If he is active on the offensive end, he will find himself cutting behind sleeping defenders, as he did in the scrimmage against Arkansas.

Also, expect Mitchell to be a menace on the offensive glass. His length and athleticism make it very hard for opposing defenses to keep him off the boards. It would be very beneficial for Coach Beard to allow Mitchell to crash the offensive glass on most possessions.

On the defensive end, Mitchell has the ceiling of an All-Conference player. He is active and rangy with a very high motor.

I expect Mitchell to be a defensive asset both on and off the ball. He has the requisite athleticism and foot speed to guard out on the perimeter and the length and burst to be a vital help defender. The Longhorns lack a true rim protector, though, do not be surprised if Mitchell turns into an excellent shot blocker as the season progresses.

The one spot Mitchell may struggle in is if he is pitted against bigger post players. He still has a wiry build and will likely get bullied by strong and skilled players on the block.

Finally, expect Mitchell to excel in the transition game this season.

His athleticism, long strides, and excellent ball skills make him a prime candidate to be a significant asset when Texas pushes the pace.

I don’t expect Mitchell to take the ball coast-to-coast; however, when he runs downhill alongside Marcus Carr and Tyrese Hunter, opposing defenses will be hard-pressed to slow down the freshman.