Trio of 2017 commits sign with Texas Longhorns

After taking advantage of college basketball’s early signing period Wednesday morning, Royce Hamm, Jericho Sims and Jase Febres each signed their National Letter of Intent to officially become Texas Longhorns.

"We're extremely excited about the addition of these three terrific young men to our program," Smart said in a statement. "It's a group that combines athleticism, skill, versatility and high character, and will be the foundation of a tremendous class."

Hamm, the four-star Aldine Davis product became Smart’s first 2017 commit with his July 1 pledge.

"Royce is a versatile forward who combines ball skills, athleticism and strength," Smart said. "He has the ability to score from outside and around the basket and can really rebound the basketball."

Hamm likely also played a substantial roll in recruiting four-star guard commit Jase Febres to Austin, as the two are good friends.

As noted, now officially set to join Hamm is Austin is Houston Westfield shooting guard Jase Febres, who signed Wednesday morning as well.

Febres will come to the 40 Acres as one of the nation’s premier sharpshooters and join a backcourt that could be chockfull with quality depth in 2017.

"Jase is a very good athlete who can really shoot the ball from deep," Smart said. "His great mind for the game and knack for creating winning plays make his ceiling as a player very high."

Sims serves at the lone out-of-state commit to sign on the dotted line Wednesday. The four-star Cristo Rey Jesuit (Mn.) product is an explosive athlete with seemingly untapped potential. Sims is Texas’ highest-ranked 2017 signee at No. 54 overall, per 247Sports Composite.

"Jericho possesses tremendous quickness and touch for a player of his size," Smart said. "He is a powerful athlete whose emerging skill set and explosiveness make his potential almost limitless."