Ranking the 7 options for class of 2022 and top-10 prospect F Kijani Wright
By Ian Mumm
Texas Longhorns
The recent coaching change away from Shaka Smart and towards Chris Beard, formerly of conference rival Texas Tech, has already paid big dividends for the Longhorns program. In addition to putting together a well-rounded and talented staff, complete with assistants from other conference rivals, Beard has quickly gained significant momentum heading into the season.
Texas has been able to secure experienced players this offseason in Devin Askew (Kentucky), Timmy Allen (Utah), Dylan Disu (Vanderbilt), and Christian Bishop (Creighton) while also flipping 2022 4-star guard Jaylon Tyson from the Red Raiders. The move is drastically changing the trajectory of the program even before Beard has stepped on the floor for an official game.
Making the top-7 for 5-star forward Kijani Wright is another win for the program, given how long Beard has been on the job. However, the meshing of a proven coach, ace recruiting staff, plus the added frontcourt traditions of the Longhorn program are plenty for Wright to at least kick the tires and explore in more detail. Interestingly enough, it’s Wright who could add a lot of versatility to the Longhorns program and boost Beard’s resume.
Texas’ new coach has not utilized frontcourt versatility to the height and physicality Wright brings to the table. Bishop and Disu are extremely mobile bigs and can score the ball in various ways, much like Beard utilized at Texas Tech.
Wright on the other hand is more physically ready to impact the game immediately, while also featuring a versatile and growing skillset under the supervision of a strong developmental staff. There are a lot of chips lining up here to be a strong fit in burnt orange.