WATCH: Longhorns' Dillon Mitchell Can't Miss During Shooting Drills at NBA Combine
AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas Longhorns forward Dillon Mitchell attempted a grand total of zero 3-pointers during his first season on the Forty Acres.
But you would've never thought so if Monday was your first time watching him.
The 2023 NBA Combine kicked off on Monday in Chicago, as this year's top prospects looked to impress the numerous scouts in attendance. Mitchell and Sir'Jabari Rice are the only two Longhorns participating in this year's combine, but it was Mitchell who drew the most attention on Day 1 -- and not because of his crazy athletic ability.
Mitchell scorched the nets during catch-and-shoot drills, displaying a solid and confident stroke that Texas fan never got a chance to see this past season. Take a look:
While Mitchell is a skilled and talented player with otherworldly athleticism, shooting has never been known as a strength of his, making Monday's performance surprising. And though it's just a simple catch-and-shoot drill with no defensive resistance or a defender there to contest, he's showing scouts he has a positive shooting base to build around.
Despite starting all 38 games, Mitchell was buried offensively behind his veteran teammates while he was relegated to a role as a lob threat and energizer, which he excelled in. Entering his freshman season as a five-star talent, he averaged just 4.3 points and 3.9 rebounds while playing 17.4 minutes per game. Tons of NBA buzz surrounded him ahead of his first year, but a lack of offensive impact and production caused his stock to fall a bit.
He's still maintaining his collegiate eligibility, as a return to Texas next season remains a possibility. But if Mitchell keeps exceeding expectations this week at the combine, he'll be hearing his name called this June.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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