Dillon Mitchell

Dillon Mitchell is a former five-star prospect who arrived at Texas as one of the most explosive athletes in the national class of 2022 and with plenty of one-and-done hype after reports of a late growth spurt. He ended up starting all 38 games for the Longhorns that year, but averaged just 4.3 points and 3.9 rebounds. He went through the draft process, but ultimately opted to return to Austin for a full season under Rodney Terry, who had taken over at mid-year of his freshman season. As a sophomore Mitchell’s numbers increased to 9.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 29 minutes per game.

Mitchell’s high-flying athleticism is still his most defining characteristic. He’s an extremely quick leaper who plays up at the top of the box like few others, allowing him to be a massive lob threat and throw down the type of finishes that can instantaneously change the momentum of a game. His athleticism extends beyond just his leaping ability though. He’s an exceptionally fluid mover with great speed and agile hips that allows him to sprint the floor in transition, cover the court in a hurry, and move his feet laterally on the defensive end of the floor.

What Mitchell is not is the 6-foot-9 that he was listed at in the spring of his senior year of high school. He’s listed at 6-foot-8 now and even that may be slightly generous. He’s also more of a non-shooter that we anticipated coming out of high school. At Montverde, he demonstrated some developing soft touch and was even capable of making a three-pointer from time-to-time. At Texas, he hasn’t made a three in two years, and didn’t even attempt one as a freshman. He shot just 40.5% from the stripe that year and improved that mark to nearly 60% this year.

So, while the progression of his skill set is imperative, so too is the role he is utilized in. Mitchell has all the tools to be a defensive game changer. He can cover the court in trapping schemes, be switchable in the half-court, versatile in ball-screen coverages, and provide shot-blocking from the weakside of the floor with his athleticism. Offensively, he needs to be utilized creatively in order to put him in finishing situations – as a rim-runner, roller, short-roller, and cutter – and allowed to play out of similar types of dribble hand-off action.

At 6-7 has a long and thin build. Does need to build strength but has electric athleticism. Bouncy and runs like a gazelle. One of the top athletes in the 2022 class. A lefty with a sidewinder shot. His long distance shot is his main weakness, but it is improving and solid in the midrange. Excels at attacking the rim and finishing with authority. Is a high level rebounder who can initiate the break. Handles the ball well and sees the court and has a feel for passing. Can also run the lanes at an elite level. Defense is perhaps his best attribute. Can be a shut down defender. Versatile as well. Tough to find a player he can't guard.