Nike EYBL/Jon Lopez
Texas plucked another five-star recruit from the ranks of the uncommitted on Monday evening as top-30 Class of 2022 prospect Dillon Mitchell, a 6-foot-7 wing from basketball powerhouse Montverde Academy, announced on Instagram Live his commitment to the Longhorns over a final list that also included Florida State and Tennessee.
Mitchell had a brief but fruitful courtship with Texas that culminated with his commitment Monday less than a month after the Longhorns formally extended him an offer. He visited the campus on an official basis earlier this month where the staff apparently made a strong impression, and all six of his crystal ball predictions came in the last week since his visit — all in favor of Texas.
Under new coach Chris Beard, Texas recruited a transfer-heavy class in the 2021 cycle with only one player — four-star Jaylon Tyson — joining the program as a four-year player. The commitment of Mitchell signals that Texas is positioning itself differently in 2022 and, perhaps moving forward, as he gives them a second five-star recruit in the cycle alongside Arterio Morris. While Texas has consistently recruited well over the years, it’s the first time since the 2016 cycle it has two five-star recruits committed in the same class. It is also a finalist with five-star guard Cason Wallace, though he’s considered a Kentucky lean.
Even with only two commitments in the cycle, Texas jumps from 54th to 20th in the 247Sports Composite rankings with the commitments of Mitchell and Morris. Given Beard’s track record, Texas is likely to be involved in building out the 2022 roster via the transfer market as well.
