NCAA Basketball: Ranking the top 25 team backcourts for 2022-23 season

I made a call to have five-star incoming freshman Dillon Mitchell be placed in the “forward” category since he’ll most likely be the “3/4” for Texas, due to the lack of frontcourt players. It’ll also be because of the amount of depth in the backcourt, thanks to incoming five-star guard, Arterio Morris.

The top-20 incoming freshman is a quality ball-handler with elite athleticism and can guard at a high level. He’s likely the team’s 6th Man but could also be the best pro prospect on the entire roster. Another high-level newcomer is Tyrese Hunter, the Big 12 Rookie of the Year from Iowa State after averaging 11.0 ppg and 4.9 apg. The starting point guard played a big role in the Cyclones getting an increase of 20 wins last season and will allow returning guard Marcus Carr to play off the ball more.

After being one of the top transfers last offseason, Carr’s productions dipped, averaging 11.4 ppg and 3.4 apg. He still managed to be an All-Big 12 performer and had some big outings, including  25 points against Kansas State and 23 in the NCAA Tournament loss to Purdue.

Joining them in the backcourt is another newcomer in Sir’Jabari Rice, a three-time All-WAC guard and double-digit scorer from New Mexico State. He’s a consistent scorer with size and can play defense well and can provide a good lift off the bench for Texas.

There will have to be some changes with the style of play to maximize Morris and Carr’s potential on offense but the Longhorns have plenty of talent on the perimeter that should put them in the top-3 or 4 of the Big 12 next season.