Longhorns Still Awaiting Return Decision From Dillon Mitchell

Texas Longhorns forward Dillon Mitchell declared for the 2023 NBA Draft while maintaining his collegiate eligibility earlier this spring, with the June 1 withdrawal deadline looming.

The Texas Longhorns are hopeful that forward Dillon Mitchell will decide to return to Austin next season. But with the deadline less than a month away for Mitchell to withdraw his name from the NBA Draft, Texas, and head coach Rodney Terry are still waiting on that choice to be made.

As of now, however, there is not any reason, in particular, to fret for Longhorns fans, as there have been no signs indicating one way or the other that Mitchell would be back in Austin next season. 

Yes, time is beginning to run out on that choice. But based on what Mitchell has said in regard to Terry in the past, one has to think the Longhorns have a solid chance to retain the services of the 6-foot-8 athletic marvel.

"He's our head coach," Mitchell said after the conclusion of the season. "No matter what his title is, he's our head coach forever. He forever will be our head coach. He should be given everything. ... RT deserves everything."

Mitchell headlined Texas’ 2022 recruiting class as a five-star talent. He started all 38 games for the Longhorns last season but 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 freshman season, but a lack of offensive impact and production caused his stock to fall a bit while playing on a veteran Longhorns squad.

Mitchell was ranked as the No. 31 overall prospect in a recent mock draft from ESPN, but it’s unclear as of now if he’s high on the NBA radar as a potential second-round pick.

Despite not reaching expectations on offense during his season on the Forty Acres, Mitchell still excelled in an energizer role, providing huge momentum swings with big-time, highlight-reel dunks and athletic blocks on defense.

Mitchell reached double figures in scoring six times this past season, which was highlighted by a 16-point outing in a win over Texas A&M-Commerce on Dec. 27.

The 2023 NBA Draft is on Thursday, June 22, and with the deadline for his decision looming, the Longhorns will hope to have him in the building well before then. 

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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