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Chris Beard on five-star freshman Dillon Mitchell: “Defensively, he’s a game changer”


Chris Beard is a defensive minded coach with a defensive minded background.

It’s what allowed him to lead Little Rock to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2016 and Texas Tech to within inches of a national title in 2019.

It’s also why he’s so bullish on Texas freshman Dillon Mitchell.

“Defensively, he’s a game changer,” Beard said of the 6-8 Mitchell Monday on the College Hoops Today Podcast. “One of my things is challenging him to not be afraid of being great early. He can step on that court and dominate a game defensively if he’s empowered to do so.”

A five-star prospect, Mitchell’s physical attributes are undeniable, but Beard has also been impressed with his overall basketball acumen.

“The length and athleticism is undeniable, but that’s not what defines him,” Beard said of Mitchell. “I think Dillon Mitchell is a Division 1 player at this level if he’s 6-3. He can hoop. He’s calm on offense — he doesn’t get sped up. He’s shooting the ball really well right now too.”

Mitchell is one of several key newcomers for the Longhorns.

Texas added two potential starters via the transfer portal in Tyrese Hunter (Iowa State) and Sir’Jabari Rice (New Mexico State) as well as two other Top-100 freshmen in Arterio Morris and Rowan Brumbaugh.

The Longhorns are currently ranked 12th in the ROTHSTEIN 45.

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