Instead of attending senior homecoming or prom, Texas men’s basketball sophomore forward Devon Pryor reclassified academically and joined the program following the end of his junior year in high school. 

Pryor, originally part of the 2024 recruiting class, was tabbed as 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, going into his second year as a Longhorn, Pryor believes he has an advantage over his former classmates.

“I had a good curve compared to everybody who was in my class,” Pryor said. “I got to experience and see what (basketball) really is and the reality of it. That just puts me ahead of a lot of guys.”

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

“I understood the situation I came into,” Pryor said. “At the end of the day, it’s on me. Given the fact that we had such an older team, and I was a baby and I came late. … I had trust in the coaching staff, and I know they have a plan for me, and I’m just here to execute it.”

Things might look different for the sophomore this year. As one of only six returners on head coach Rodney Terry’s roster, Pryor expects to have a bigger role, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Many of the new additions are prominent offensive players such as junior guard Jordan Pope, senior forward Arthur Kaluma and freshman guard Tre Johnson.

Another key element in Terry’s new team is chemistry, and Pryor hopes to help this bonding ahead of tip-off.

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

Going into a new season in a new conference with a different roster, trust and belief in one another could make or break the team. Pryor has no doubt he is part of a family.

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