Can Texas make it three years in a row with a top-15 NBA draftee?
Last week, the Texas Longhorns became one of just four men's basketball programs to produce a top-15 NBA Draft selection in the last two years, joining BYU, Arizona, and Duke.
In the 2026 NBA Draft, Texas wing Dailyn Swain was picked No. 15 by the Chicago Bulls. A year ago, Tre Johnson was chosen No. 6 by the Washington Wizards after a strong freshman year in Austin.
Can the Longhorns make it three years in a row in 2027?
Several "way-too-early" mock drafts include mentions of multiple Texas hoopers on Sean Miller's 2026-27 squad.
CBS Sports - Texas Big Man Just Misses Lottery
Adam Finkelstein of CBS believes the Longhorns, as it currently stands, will see their top-15 streak come to an end by one spot.
He has Texas' Lithuanian center Matas Vokietaitis going No. 16 to the new-look Portland Trail Blazers.
"The 7-footer made notable progress, not just last year at Texas, but prior to that at FAU," the scout said. "If that growth continues, which seems likely, Vokietaitis has a chance to play his way into the first round."
SI - Longhorns Freshman Lands in Top 10
On the other hand, Sports Illustrated's Kevin Sweeney sees Austin Goosby as Texas' next one-and-done freshman who can rise into the top 10, as he has him ranked as the No. 9 prospect in the upcoming cycle.
"Goosby moved the needle with NBA scouts during McDonald’s All-American practices, flashing his size, versatility and feel for the game as a combo guard," Sweeney said. "The Texas native shot the ball well from three at Dynamic Prep, and if that continues at Texas he could have a key role on one of the best teams in college basketball this season."
ESPN - Goosby and Vokietaitis Both Make NBA Jump
Lastly, ESPN projects Goosby and Vokietaitis to be drafted, with the former sliding in at No. 13 in the lottery and the big guy coming off the board at No. 56 in the second round.
The 6-foot-5 Goosby, who is the younger brother of Texas Football's left tackle Trevor Goosby, is ranked as the No. 1 player in the state and is a top-20 recruit in the nation.
"There aren’t many players, or certainly guards, in the country who can match the sheer tools of Austin Goosby," Finkelstein said earlier this year. "He’s a bouncy vertical athlete, a lay-up maker with his dominant right hand, has soft, natural hands, and touch. His best attribute though, may be his feel for the game. He cuts well, passes well, and instinctively knows how to play in ways that allow him to make quick and efficient decisions with the basketball."
