Texas Longhorns one step closer to landing four-star PF Javin DeLaurier

Tuesday night, Shaka Smart and the Texas Longhorns received some good news concerning key 2016 power forward, Javin DeLaurier, in that the Horns’ are still in consideration after DeLaurier’s latest cut, via Scout.com.

In addition to the Longhorns, Arizona, Duke, North Carolina, Notre Dame and Stanford remain in the running to land the 6-9 Virginia product.

DeLaurier, the nation’s No. 39 overall recruit, is set for an official visit to Austin this upcoming weekend on September 12, and it’s essential that DeLaurier leaves the 40 Acres captivated. Luckily for the Longhorns, Smart and his staff have already left a rather favorable impression on one of their highest priorities, via scout.com.

"I feel as though he would be a great mentor for me both on and off the court," DeLaurier said of Smart. "He would not only make me a better player but also a better man."

"My interest (in Texas) is very high," DeLaurier said. "I love their coaching staff. We’ve built a great relationship. I am going to visit at some point. I want to see all that Texas would have to offer and how I would potentially see myself fitting in there."

DeLaurier’s praise for Smart and his staff shouldn’t come as a surprise. Smart and assistant coach Mike Morrell have been active in DeLaurier’s recruitment dating back to their days at VCU, which could prove to be a deciding factor once DeLaurier’s college announcement arrives.

Considering the Longhorns are only slotted to have one true big man with note – Shaquille Cleare – for the 2016-17 season, earning a commitment from the versatile power forward is becoming increasingly important.

Texas currently stands as the clear-cut favorite to land DeLaurier, per 247 Sports Crystal Ball.