Longhorns' Dillon Mitchell 'Leaning Towards' Staying in NBA Draft

Draft hopeful Dillon Mitchell is still maintaining his collegiate eligibility, as a return to the Texas Longhorns next season remains a possibility. But he's seen his stock rise over the past few days at the 2023 NBA Combine.

The Texas Longhorns will soon receive some major answers regarding potential returning talent for next season. But for NBA draft hopeful and Texas forward Dillon Mitchell, coming back to the Forty Acres for his sophomore season is appearing less and less likely.

Per reports Wednesday from the San Antonio Express-News, Mitchell is "leaning towards" remaining in the draft.

“I’m so close, I’m right here," Mitchell told the Express-News.

Both he and former Texas guard Sir'Jabari Rice have been creeping up draft boards after impressive performances during the pre-draft process. Rice showed out at the G League Elite Camp and was one of eight players called up to the NBA Combine. Longhorns guard Tyrese Hunter also tested out the draft waters, but now appears set to return for another year in Austin.

Mitchell, in particular, has turned some heads at the combine due to his surprising, yet solid shooting display during drills. Known for his unmatched leaping ability, he was instead seen knocking down most of 3-point attempts during catch-and-shoot portions on Monday and went a bit viral on social media as a result.

He attempted zero 3s this past season, but proved that mattered little. 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. Mitchell is a skilled and talented player with otherworldly athleticism, but shooting has never been known as a strength of his, making Monday's performance one that could cause him to get drafted based on potential alone.

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 being 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.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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