Devon Pryor has confidence in the plans Texas men’s basketball has for him – The Daily Texan

Instead of attending senior homecoming or prom, Texas basketball sophomore forward Devon Pryor switched academics and joined the program after the end of his junior year of high school.

Pryor, originally part of the 2024 recruiting class, was ranked No. 21 in Texas, No. 45 among all small forwards and No. 209 nationally per 247 sports in the final class of 2023 rankings.

Now entering his second year as a Longhorn, Pryor believes he has an advantage over his former classmates.

“I had a good curve compared to everyone else in my class,” Pryor said. “I was able to experience and see what (basketball) really is and what the reality of it is. That puts me ahead of many others.”

As the youngest player on the team last year, Pryor sat on the bench for most of the season, totaling just 25 minutes of playing time and two field goals for five points. But going through the transfer portal to a program where he would spend more time on the field was never an option.

“I understood the situation I was put in,” Pryor said. “Ultimately it’s up to me. Given that we had such an older team and I was just a baby and was late. … I had confidence in the coaching staff and I know they have a plan for me and I’m just here to execute it.”

Things could be different for the sophomore this year. As one of just six returning players on head coach Rodney Terry’s roster, Pryor expects to play a larger role, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Many of the newcomers are prominent offensive players such as junior guard Jordan Pope, senior forward Arthur Kaluma and freshman guard Tre Johnson.

Another key element of Terry’s new team is chemistry, and Pryor hopes to foster that bond ahead of time.

“I understand the system and what the coach is looking for,” Pryor said. “I could tell certain people, ‘Hey, do this, and if you need anything, just talk to me.'”

Going into a new season with a different squad, trust and belief in each other can make or break the team. Pryor has no doubt that he is part of a family.

“I trust Texas,” Pryor said. “I feel like we have such a family connection now, like we have complete understanding. That’s why I decided to stay here.”