Texas Basketball: 3 standouts from Longhorns Orange-White Scrimmage

Dillon Mitchell, F

Arguably, the MVP for either team in the Orange-White Scrimmage on Oct. 17 was sophomore forward Dillon Mitchell. The returning starter got off to an explosive start to the two preseason games/scrimmages by showing out on both ends of the floor in this scrimmage.

Mitchell made his presence felt on both ends of the floor, making exciting and high-flying plays throughout the scrimmage. On the first two possessions alone, Mitchell knocked down a nice mid-range two-point field goal and registered two blocks.

As a side note, Mitchell showed off his high-flying dunks right from the get-go in warm-ups.

Mitchell lit up the stat sheet, registering a scrimmage-high 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field and 0-of-1 from the free-throw line. He tied a scrimmage-high with six rebounds (one offensive board) and posted a scrimmage-high three blocks. Mitchell was the only player on either team with multiple blocks.

What doesn’t show up on the stat sheet from this scrimmage is Mitchell’s on-ball defense. He was a stud while defending players at multiple positions, showing the switchability and one-on-one ability he flashed during his true freshman campaign last season.

This showing from Mitchell should get the fans excited about the development of his game heading into his sophomore campaign at Texas. Mitchell showed more confidence and composure with the ball in his hands on offense. And he continues to show why he’s considered one of the best and most potent on-ball defenders at forward in the Big 12.

He also showed off more range with his jump shot on the offensive end. Mitchell hit multiple field goal attempts over six feet from the basket, which he did sparingly last season. We would love to see more of that part of his game this season.

It caught my eye when Mitchell was asked about the mid-range jump shots he made in this scrimmage. He said that he’s more “confident” in his jump shot after working on that part of his game in the summer. Mitchell also reaffirmed that “rebounding and guarding” are the two priorities of his game.

"“If it’s open. If it’s open I’ll take it because my confidence is up there. I put the work in this summer. But like I said my main thing is rebounding and guarding.”"

Everything we’ve seen and heard from Mitchell during the summer and this preseason indicates he’ll be an improved player with a more potent offensive game. He’s also bound to be one of the most impactful forwards on the defensive end in the Big 12 this season.