Texas basketball’s Dailyn Swain drafted 15th overall by the Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls selected former Texas forward Dailyn Swain with the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The selection marks the 21st time in program history that a Texas player has been chosen in the first round of the draft.
From Xavier to Texas: A Rapid Rise
Swain’s path to the NBA included a transfer from Xavier to the University of Texas. Under the guidance of head coach Sean Miller during his first year at the helm, Swain transformed into a focal point for the Longhorns’ offense.
In his lone season at Texas, the 6-foot-7 forward averaged 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. According to Texas Athletics, Swain became the only player in a Division 1 conference to lead his team in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, and minutes played during the season.
Dailyn Swain is one of only three players in the last 30 years to average at least 17 points, seven rebounds, and three assists per game in a single season, according to data provided by Texas Athletics.
What This Means for the Chicago Bulls
NBA scouts identified Swain’s physical tools as a primary driver for his high draft selection. While he is noted for his size and strength, his selection at 15th overall suggests that professional evaluators prioritize his raw athleticism and defensive intensity.
Swain’s performance helped lead Texas to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. His collegiate impact was recognized by the SEC, which named him “Newcomer of the Year” and selected him for its second-team all-conference roster. He was also a finalist for the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award.
Samantha Carter notes that while perimeter shooting remains a developmental hurdle for Swain, the Bulls’ investment reflects a confidence in NBA-level coaching to refine his offensive consistency. His ability to impact the game through playmaking and defensive pressure makes him a versatile prospect for a professional roster.
What Happens Next
As Swain transitions to the professional level, his development is likely to focus on his perimeter shooting. With access to NBA-quality conditioning and coaching staff, analysts expect his efficiency from the outside to improve over the coming years.
His immediate future involves integrating into the Bulls’ system, where his defensive approach and playmaking roles could be tested against higher-level competition. His performance in upcoming training camps will determine how quickly he adapts to the pace and physical demands of the NBA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Dailyn Swain play college basketball before Texas?
Swain began his collegiate career at Xavier before transferring to play for head coach Sean Miller at Texas.
What were Swain’s primary statistical averages at Texas?
In his final season, he averaged 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 54.2% from the field.
What individual honors did Swain receive during his time at Texas?
The SEC named him “Newcomer of the Year” and a second-team all-conference player. He was also a finalist for the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year Award.
How do you think Swain’s defensive versatility will translate to the professional level?