NBA Comparison: James White / Leaky Black

Strengths: One of the premier athletes in the 2026 NBA Draft class and possesses the type of physical tools that NBA teams are always willing to take a chance on late in the draft or as a developmental prospect … A prototypical modern wing athlete, Mitchell combines explosive leaping ability, excellent speed in the open floor, long arms, and outstanding body control … He is a high-level transition player who thrives running the lanes, finishing above the rim, and generating easy offense through his athleticism … Mitchell has quietly developed into one of the better defensive wings in college basketball, earning BIG EAST All-Defensive Team honors as a senior while consistently impacting games with his versatility and activity … Averaged 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks per game in 2025-26 and regularly disrupted opponents with his length, anticipation, and ability to cover ground … His rebounding is another major strength, pulling down 7.0 rebounds per game as a senior and finishing his collegiate career with 903 rebounds … Shows excellent effort and motor on both ends of the floor and rarely takes possessions off … One of the more encouraging developments in his game came as a passer, where he made significant strides during his final season at St. John’s … Averaged 3.0 assists per game while posting an outstanding 3-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, ranking among the national leaders in ball security … His feel for the game, decision making, and willingness to move the ball improved considerably over his four collegiate seasons … Former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American who started 140 of 144 collegiate games and brings extensive experience at the highest levels of college basketball … His offensive numbers were likely somewhat suppressed by playing in highly structured, defense-oriented systems at Texas, Cincinnati, and St. John’s … Efficient finisher around the basket throughout his career, shooting 60.7% from the field across four seasons.

Weaknesses: Despite four years of high-level college basketball, Mitchell’s offensive skill development remains a major concern … While his passing improved, his scoring package showed relatively little growth from his freshman year through his senior season … Struggles to consistently create offense for himself in half-court situations and lacks advanced shot creation skills … Ball handling remains below average for an NBA wing and limits his effectiveness attacking off the dribble … Perimeter shooting is a significant red flag … Shot just 19.0% from three-point range for his collegiate career and never demonstrated the ability to stretch defenses consistently … Even more concerning is his free throw shooting, where he finished under 50% as a senior and shot just 49.4% from the line in 2025-26 … Career free throw percentages fluctuated dramatically but never reached a level that inspires confidence in future shooting development … Defenders routinely sag off him in the half court, making spacing difficult and limiting his offensive versatility … Lacks a reliable pull-up jumper, floater, or intermediate scoring package … Most of his offense comes as a cutter, transition finisher, offensive rebounder, or lob threat … While his athletic tools are elite, he has yet to translate them into consistent offensive production, averaging just 8.0 points per game for his collegiate career despite entering college as one of the nation’s top recruits … At 23 years old, he is no longer viewed as a young developmental prospect, making the lack of offensive growth more concerning than it would be for a freshman or sophomore prospect.

Outlook: Mitchell projects as a late second-round candidate who could hear his name called based almost entirely on his athletic profile, defensive potential, and physical tools … Teams searching for a defensive-minded wing with NBA athleticism may view him as a worthwhile developmental investment … If he goes undrafted, he should attract significant interest as a priority free agent and will likely have opportunities to earn a roster spot through Summer League and training camp … His path to sticking in the NBA will depend largely on whether he can become a credible perimeter shooter and continue expanding his offensive skill set … Even modest improvements as a shooter could dramatically improve his chances of carving out a role as a defensive specialist and energy wing at the next level.

Notes: Mitchell measured 6’6.75” barefoot, 202.2 lbs, with a 6’10.50” wingspan, 8’8.50” standing reach, 32.5-inch no-step vertical, and 38.5-inch max vertical at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine … Previously measured 6’6.75” barefoot, 193 lbs, with a 6’10.00” wingspan, 8’9.00” standing reach, 29-inch no-step vertical, and 37-inch max vertical at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine … Born on July 28, 2003 … Former consensus five-star recruit, McDonald’s All-American, and Jordan Brand Classic All-American … Ranked No. 4 nationally by ESPN and No. 5 in the 247Sports Composite recruiting rankings in the Class of 2022 … Played four collegiate seasons at Texas, Cincinnati, and St. John’s, appearing in 144 career games with 140 starts … Career averages of 8.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 blocks, and 1.1 steals while shooting 60.7% from the field … Earned 2026 All-BIG EAST Third Team, BIG EAST All-Defensive Team, and BIG EAST All-Tournament Team honors as a senior … Finished his career with over 1,000 points and 900 rebounds while establishing himself as one of the most athletic and versatile defensive wings in college basketball.

Aran Smith 6/21/26

Strengths: 6’7 left-handed athletic forward … Fluid and runs the floor very well with long strides. Explosive athlete. Pops off the ground quick with an impressive second jump. Shows off high-flying ability in the open floor. Reads dunk opportunities in half-court situations and against a set defense. Good body control … Consistent motor, intensity, and aggression. Active off the ball and scores well on cutting opportunities … Very efficient scorer and accurate within close. Good touch on jump hook and uses glass when appropriate. Can score when crowded in the paint. Can hit a face-up jumper within range … Averaged 12.2 points per game on 72.9% FG% over the Nike EYBL in 2021 and 10.1 points per game on 66.2% FG% (2^nd best) over the NIBC in 2021-22 … Good rebounder on both ends and reads opportunities for tip-slams. Averaged a 3^rd best 7.8 rebounds (2^nd best 3.6 offensive) per game over the NIBC in 2021-22 … Versatile defender, moves well laterally, and has shown ability to switch onto multiple positions. Solid shot blocker. Averaged a 5^th best 1.4 blocks per game over the NIBC in 2021-22. Gets his hands on everything defensively and jumps passes to start the break … Solid passing and court vision for position … Doesn’t try to do too much or play outside his game … Vocal …

Weaknesses: Has room to add strength … Left-hand dominant … Isn’t always heavily involved with the offense. Can expand offensive game as he scores a heavy amount on assisted baskets and converting offensive boards. Being reliant on out-hustling opponents will be more difficult at the next levels … Scoring range is limited as he’s not a 3PT threat at this stage in his development and really doesn’t score much outside the paint. Shot 20% on 0.4 3PT attempts per game over the Nike EYBL in 2021 and only attempted 2 3PTers over 10 games in the NIBC in 2021-22 … Has a lot of room to improve as a free throw shooter. Shot 54.8% FT% over the Nike EYBL in 2021 and 42.3% FT% over the NIBC in 2021-22 …

Outlook: Incoming Texas freshman … 2022 McDonald’s All-American … MVP of the 2022 Jordan Brand Classic with 18 points (9-10 FG) … Played in the 2022 Nike Hoop Summit … MVP of the City of Palms in 2021 … Helped Montverde win the 2022 Geico National Championship …

Evan Tomes 7/12/22

Notes: Dillon Mitchell measured 6′ 6.75” barefoot, 202.2 lbs, 6′ 10.50” wingspan, 8′ 8.50” standing reach, 32.5 no step vertical, and 38.5 max vertical at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine … Measured 6′ 6.75” barefoot, 8′ 9.00” standing reach, 193 lbs and a 6′ 10.00” wingspan and a 29 inch standing vertical and a 37′ inch max vertical at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine …