This Dailyn Swain story shows how much it meant for him to hear his name in the NBA Draft

Just over a week ago, Texas guard Dailyn Swain was selected in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, going to the Chicago Bulls.

Like a lot of young basketball players and college athletes, it was a dream come true for Swain, but it also meant a little more than that for the former Longhorn.

After his name was called, he donned the Chicago hat, and he shook NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's hand. Then, Swain headed over to the media to talk about what he was feeling. Almost immediately, he shared a story about his mother and himself, summing up just how great it felt to get drafted.

"My mother for sure," Swain said on who he credits for where he is today. "I always talk about how much she's sacrificed for me, but there's a story that pops right up in my head..."

Swain went on to tell a tale about one time he and his mother were moving, and he had previously been in a little trouble, so he was hiding under his bed and wrote "I was going to the NBA" on the wall. When they moved out, his mom saw that message inked on her wall and had the perfect response.

"You better go to the NBA because I have to pay for that," Swain's mother said when she saw the note.

Well, Mrs. Swain, it looks like your son might be able to cover a few wall-bound messages with this new gig.

Swain was one of two rookies drafted by the Bulls in the first round, alongside North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson, who was selected fourth overall, and then Texas guard going 15th. The pair quickly made their way to Chicago and have been making memories ever since.

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"Just try and enjoy the moment. You only go through this process once, so living it day by day, but also keep the main thing the main thing and get this program going the right way," Swain said during his introductory press conference for the Bulls. "Start off in Summer League; that's an everyday thing. It started yesterday; me and Caleb got in the gym. So just trying to stay focused."

Dailyn Swain, Caleb Wilson enjoy the Chicago lifestyle

Beyond picking their new jersey numbers, with Swain opting to wear No. 5 and Wilson selecting No. 8, the rookie duo has been doing everything from taking boat cruises along the river to visiting the famous Bean statue to photoshoots atop skyscrapers.

Simply put, both stars are living the dream, and it is just the beginning of their rookie seasons.

"We're here to be winners," Wilson said during his introductory press conference. "Set the tone for the culture of this team."

The pair will play in the NBA Summer League before actually getting the opportunity to suit up for the Bulls when the regular season tips off next fall. However, what a special time for both rookies, and what a story from the Longhorn Legend.

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