Texas Basketball: 2 studs, 1 dud from Longhorns win over Delaware St

Stud: Dillon Mitchell, F

Texas fans must be encouraged by the start sophomore forward Dillon Mitchell is off to this season. The former five-star recruit from Montverde Academy is having a sensational start to his sophomore campaign, scoring in the double figures per game while expanding his shooting range and making major contributions on the defensive end.

Mitchell scored in the double figures for the first time this season in this game. He registered 14 points on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting from the field. And he was much improved from the free-throw line after going 0-of-3 from the charity stripe in the opener against UIW. Mitchell was a perfect 4-of-4 from the stripe against Delaware State.

Among the best parts of Mitchell’s showing in this game, though, was his ability to hit shots outside of the paint. Mitchell looked more confident and aggressive taking open shots from the mid-range, and he drained a couple of them in this game.

It was also very encouraging to see Mitchell facilitate the offense from the paint more than usual. This was a part of Mitchell’s game that we knew was present from the court vision and passing ability he displayed at Montverde Academy, but he wasn’t put in a spot to unlock it last season.

Mitchell’s four assists in this game tied a career-high he posted in a win on the road against the Kansas State Wildcats last season.

Defensively, Mitchell was a monster again on the glass and when facing the ball-handler one-on-one. He helped Texas get a 10-rebound edge in the battle on the defensive glass, posting a team-high nine defensive rebounds himself in this game. Mitchell’s 11 total rebounds against Delaware State is the most any Longhorns player has posted in their two games to start this season.

Mitchell also registered a steal and a block to round out a solid night on the defensive end.

Through two games, Mitchell has proven that he’s on pace to take his game to another level and become an All-Big 12 level performer this season and potentially a first-round NBA Draft pick in 2024.