Tevin Mack
Hometown: Columbia, SC (Dreher High School)
Position: Small Forward
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 185 pounds
Class: 2015
Rankings;
247 Sports – #54 (4 star)
Rivals – #61 (4 star)
ESPN – #48 (4 star)
New Head Basketball Coach Shaka Smart secured a commitment from Tevin Mack on Tuesday – actually re-secured is more appropriate in this case.
Mack originally committed to Smart and the VCU Rams last November, but was released from his letter of intent when Smart left VCU for Texas. In November Mack chose VCU over Clemson, Georgia, Connecticut, and several other schools. When Mack re-opened his recruitment, only Clemson, Georgia and Texas were seriously considered. Teams like Kansas and Michigan State attempted to make a late push, but the Longhorns and Bulldogs were widely thought of as the favorites for his signature.
When Mack committed to VCU, he cited his comfort level with the program. At the time, he told a reporter, “He [shaka Smart] is a great coach. The system they run fits my game. They get out and run, shoot a lot of shots and get out on defense, too.” After comments like that, it was not a surprise to see the Longhorns make a late surge in his recruitment, ultimately landing his commitment.
Analysis
Mack is a hybrid player – although he is listed as a small forward, he can play both guard positions. Mack has above average ball skills, and a high basketball IQ. Those two traits make him a solid fit for Smart’s Havoc system.
Offensively, Mack is a slasher that is more than capable of finishing plays above the rim. Although his outside shot needs consistency, the Dreher star has all the skills to become an elite scorer at the college level.
As a quick forward that will give teams fits in a fast paced style, Mack is a willing defender that often drew the assignment of limiting the opponent’s top scoring threat.
He projects as a 3 to 4 year player in college, and gives the Longhorns length on the wing. The system Smart prefers will take time to implement in Austin (based on the current roster) but expectations are that the new Texas coach will maximize the talent in place rather than shoehorning players into that system. Mack’s versatility is an excellent addition that adds a scoring threat in the near-term, while providing Smart with the style of play he is building toward with an eye on the future.
