Texas Longhorns Sign Austin Native Jamie Vinson to 2024 Basketball Team

The University of Texas Longhorns basketball team has officially signed 2024 center Jamie Vinson, an Austin native and former Vanderbilt signee. Vinson decommitted from Vanderbilt in April and reopened his recruitment, taking official visits to South Carolina, Rutgers, and Kentucky before finally choosing to stay in his hometown.

Vinson, a 6-foot-11, 210-pound center, played his first two years of high school basketball at St. Michael's Catholic Academy in Austin before transferring to Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. Oak Hill Academy has a storied history of producing notable players such as Carmelo Anthony and former Longhorn Kevin Durant.

According to 247Sports, Vinson is ranked No. 41 center and the No. 239 overall prospect in the class of 2024. His decision to join the Longhorns is a significant addition to Texas' recruiting class, which now ranks No. 10 in the country. Vinson joins five-star guard Tre Johnson and four-star forward Nicolas Codie as part of the Longhorns' 2024 high school recruits.

Vinson's signing addresses a pressing need in the frontcourt for the Longhorns, who have been active in the transfer portal this offseason. Texas has added several transfer commitments, including Vanderbilt transfer Malik Presley, Oregon State's Jordan Pope, Arkansas' Tramon Mark, and Indiana State's Julian Larry and Jayson Kent.

247Sports national recruiting analyst Brandon Jenkins described Vinson as "a high-upside front-court prospect who can immediately contribute as a shot alterer." Jenkins also noted Vinson's potential for floor spacing and his ability to score with a soft touch around the basket.

The Longhorns will begin their regular season on Monday, November 4, against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Las Vegas for the Hall of Fame Series. With Vinson's addition, Texas now has 12 scholarships filled, leaving room for one more piece to be added ahead of their first season in the Southeastern Conference.

Jamie Vinson's commitment to the Texas Longhorns marks a significant step for both the player and the team. As an Austin native, his return to his hometown to play college basketball is a compelling narrative, and his presence on the court is expected to make an immediate impact.

Key Takeaways

• Texas Longhorns sign 2024 center Jamie Vinson, an Austin native and former Vanderbilt signee.
• Vinson is a 6'11", 210-pound center ranked No. 41 in the class of 2024 by 247Sports.
• Vinson joins Texas' 2024 recruiting class, which now ranks No. 10 in the country.
• Vinson addresses a pressing need in the frontcourt for the Longhorns.
• Texas now has 12 scholarships filled, leaving room for one more addition ahead of their first SEC season.