'Big-Time Project': ESPN Believes Texas F Dillon Mitchell Should Return to School

Texas Longhorns forward Dillon Mitchell averaged 4.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 17.4 minutes in 38 starts last season.

To garner consistent minutes in the NBA, it is pertinent to have a well-rounded offensive game.

In his lone season in Austin, Texas forward Dillon Mitchell was the fourth-lowest scorer per game on the Longhorns' top-15 offense, according to KenPom. He declared for the 2023 NBA Draft April 12 wanting to test the waters and receive feedback from professional teams. 

However, a recent evaluation from ESPN hints that it might be a good idea for Mitchell to return to Austin for one more season. 

"Although Mitchell briefly captivated imaginations with good showings in shooting drills Monday," ESPN wrote. "He's a big-time project who is multiple years away from being a net positive in an NBA game. Drafting him will require belief in his potential for development down the line."

He maintained his eligibility when he declared for the draft, but a report from the San Antonio Express-News said that the "door back to Texas is still open," but that he's "definitely leaning towards" remaining in the NBA Draft.

And if what ESPN says is true, one more year in the system with Rodney Terry could not only benefit Mitchell as a prospect but help the team contend for another final four. 

Mitchell is the No. 42 prospect on ESPN's "Best Available" list with him being mocked to the San Antonio Spurs with the No. 33 pick in the second round by ESPN's Jonathan Givony.

Mitchell was the No. 5 overall recruit in the class of 2022 and Texas' fourth-highest signee ever behind Kevin Durant, Mo Bamba, and Avery Bradley.

He proved to be a viable asset on the defensive end of the floor, blocking 12 shots in limited action and cleaning up the glass with 148 boards — the third-most of any Longhorn last season.

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You can follow Casey Smith on Twitter @casey_smith2419

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