Texas Basketball Maintains Strong Pro Development Pipeline
The Longhorns boast 10 players on NBA rosters as the Spurs bring three regular-season games to the Moody Center this season.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Basketball
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Is success in the NCAA tournament necessary for a college player to succeed in the NBA?
Longhorns fans watching the NBA will see a familiar pipeline as the Texas men’s basketball program continues to send players to the professional ranks. Ten former Longhorns now hold spots on active NBA rosters following recent draft selections for Tre Johnson and Dailyn Swain.
Why it matters
The program’s success in moving players to the professional level is tied directly to coaching philosophies that prioritize deep NCAA tournament runs to boost draft stock. As the NBA season gets underway, this focus on development remains a core pillar for the Longhorns on the court.
There are currently 10 former Longhorns on active NBA rosters, bolstered by recent draft selections including Tre Johnson at No. 6 in 2025 and Dailyn Swain at No. 15 in 2026. The full long-term impact of these development paths on recruitment remains to be seen.
The players
Sean Miller
The head coach of the Texas men’s basketball team who has led college programs for 21 years.
Tre Johnson
A former Texas basketball player who was selected sixth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Dailyn Swain
A former Texas basketball player who was selected 15th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Kevin Durant
A former Longhorn and two-time NBA Finals MVP who maintains NIL partnerships with current Texas players.
San Antonio Spurs
A professional NBA team that is bringing three regular-season games to the Moody Center this year.
The details
Head coach Sean Miller, who brings 21 years of experience, emphasizes that high draft positions are a byproduct of team success during the college season. Current players are also utilizing an NIL partnership with Kevin Durant's Nike brands to support their professional transition. Locally, basketball fans can see professional talent in person, as the San Antonio Spurs have scheduled three regular-season games to be played at the Moody Center this season.
Timeline
Tre Johnson was selected as the No. 6 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Dailyn Swain was selected as the No. 15 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The 2026-27 NBA season began on October 20, 2026.
The Texas Context
The current development pipeline at Texas follows the precedent of top-tier prospects like the 2018 No. 1 draft pick Deandre Ayton, who utilized college production to secure professional success. This focus on tournament performance marks a continued strategy for the program to place athletes in the league.
Local basketball fans can expect to see professional play at the Moody Center, which will host three regular-season games for the San Antonio Spurs this season. Additionally, fans should watch for the team's progress as they take on a preseason scrimmage against St. John's at Madison Square Garden.
The takeaway
The program's focus on team success as a gateway to the NBA remains the primary metric for coaching performance. Fans should track the program's NCAA tournament progression as the best indicator of future draft potential for current players.
Further reading
You can find more on the Basketball page regarding upcoming games and roster updates.
Live Poll
Is success in the NCAA tournament necessary for a college player to succeed in the NBA?
