Instant analysis on James Banks committing to Texas

With the November signing period on the horizon and a current roster that includes three senior big men, the Longhorns needed to add to their recruiting class, and really needed it to be a prospect that can fill that void in the future. Thursday, James Banks became that guy when he announced his commitment to Texas.

About Banks…

As we mentioned in our commitment story, which includes quotes from Banks about his decision, the 6-10 prospect hasn't been playing organized hoops at a high level for long. In fact, just a few years ago Banks was a mammoth, 6-7 football player, according to his interview with DraftExpress.com in August at Adidas Nations.

So not only is the body transforming, but the skills and feel for the game on the floor are rapidly growing with each competitive rep as well. Physically, Banks probably has another inch to grow, but the things that catch your attention are his length and the amount of muscle he's added in a year and also the amount he will add in the future to his frame. Already a physical presence in and around the paint, Banks has the ability to become an immediate physical presence and a player that can log important minutes at Texas.

"Banks has a nice wide base and a good frame to build on so he should be physically ready to go for Big XII play," said Rivals.com analyst Eric Bossi. "He runs pretty well and has good hands. Offensively, Banks is still a bit raw but he's also pretty aware of his own strengths and weaknesses and doesn't try to do much out of his comfort zone. Because he has good hands, the hope is that once he adds to his offense he will be a dangerous two-way threat. But early on, Banks rebounding and ability to be physical will most likely be what earns him playing time."

Banks runs well enough to fit an uptempo pace, and the skill offensively is coming along. When we saw him up close in Las Vegas, Banks showed soft hands, solid feet, intriguing touch, and a taste of face-up and back-to-the-basket ability. Basically, the offensive game is in the young stages, but it's growing and quickly. Defensively, the four-star prospect showed he could be a real difference-maker on that end of the floor. Along with his length and eventual strength, Banks moves well to get into position and times shot-blocking challenges well.

What does this mean for Texas?

This is huge for Shaka Smart and the Longhorns for a few reasons. First, they fill a big need in landing a "five" big man, and can now breathe a little easier knowing that a top priority target is in the fold, which takes a little pressure off them when it comes to landing bigs. Second, Banks has impressive upside; the kind of ceiling that could eventually make him a top 40-type of prospect nationally, and could make him a college prospect that greatly improves over the course of his multi-year career. Third, Texas needed some positive mojo on the recruiting front, and Banks offers that.

"It may have taken a little more time than initially expected, but Texas has landed a much needed big man in James Banks. A true five man on the college level, Banks eats space, can play physically and should be able to help fill in the huge void Texas will have in the lane during the 2016-17 season when they'll be without three big men scheduled to graduate this spring," said Bossi about the commitment.