The NBA Draft has officially arrived, but despite continued success for the program at the next level, the Texas Longhorns aren't putting forth a lot of prospects in this year's draft class.
Forward Dailyn Swain, who followed head coach Sean Miller to Texas from Xavier, is the one true standout in Texas's draft class, projected as a late first-rounder or a second-round pick. However, beyond the SEC Newcomer of the Year, the Horns don't have much to boast about heading into this year's Draft.
In the best news for Texas fans, Swain was recently projected to go 20th overall to none other than the San Antonio Spurs, based just down the road from the Longhorns' home in Austin. Beyond being fresh off an appearance in the NBA Finals, playing for the Spurs would keep Swain close to the 40 Acres and would have him suiting up against current stars like Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper.
"Swain's range starts just outside the lottery and runs into the early 20s, with the lack of wings with a variety of tools in the middle tier of the draft working in his favor," ESPN's Jeremy Woo wrote in his latest NBA mock draft. "He has good length and is a solid enough rebounder and defender to shore up the margins of [San Antonio's] rotation."
After Swain, it would be a pretty massive shock if other Texas players heard their names called in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Also read: Dailyn Swain confirms Texas fans' fears for next season, declares for NBA Draft
To start, there are only two rounds in the draft every year, with each team getting just two picks on average (prior to any trade agreements). With only 30 teams in the NBA, that equates to just 60 overall picks. This year, 71 players declared for the NBA Draft, and Swain was the only Longhorn to officially toss his name in the hat.
However, both Chendall Weaver and Jordan Pope reached the end of their collegiate eligibility when the Horns' season came to a close, so Texas could see another player or two receive an offer from an NBA franchise this week.
Chendall Weaver and Jordan Pope could make great G-League players
While playing for the Horns, Weaver repeatedly put on defensive masterclasses, and Pope's poise in must-win games earned him a nod or two during this year's NCAA Tournament. The pair could both see free-agent contracts sent their direction, but it likely wouldn't be for more than a spot as a two-way player for a franchise.
Most likely, if Pope and Weaver want to continue their basketball careers, the former Longhorns will sign on as NBA G-League players or take their talents overseas to play in European or Asian leagues.
The G-League is the NBA's version of MLB's minor league, creating a sort of farm team for the franchise's rosters. While on a G-League or actual NBA roster, players can suit up for both teams, becoming two-way players for their franchise.
The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 23, and Round 2 will take place the following evening on Wednesday, June 24. Both rounds will be broadcast on ESPN, but only the first round will also be available on ABC.
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