Dailyn Swain's spot in mock drafts continues to rise

[Jeff Howe]

A mock draft from USA Today, which was published before Thursday's Sweet 16 loss to Purdue, had Swain mocked 24th overall to the Denver Nuggets.

Here's the analysis: "After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason and then leading his team to the Sweet 16, Dailyn Swain has become one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball. The All-SEC forward is versatile and contributes a little bit of everything for the Longhorns on both sides of the ball, scoring well both in the paint and on fastbreaks. Another element that is notably compelling is that Swain is efficient one-on-one in isolation against his defenders."

[Jeff Howe]

If you're looking for something that gives hope of Swain returning to Texas, he wasn't listed on this CBS Sports mock draft, which was published Friday.

[Jordan91]

8 minutes ago, Jeff Howe said:

If you're looking for something that gives hope of Swain returning to Texas, he wasn't listed on this CBS Sports mock draft, which was published Friday.

I have no idea how you recruit a small forward when you have to wait to know if you really need one. 

[Jordan91]

God I hope by now everyone in the game thread ripping into Swain has seen the tape showing he was fouled. He didn’t fail to block out. Shocker!

[Jeff Howe]

1 minute ago, Jordan91 said:

God I hope by now everyone in the game thread ripping into Swain has seen the tape showing he was fouled. He didn’t fail to block out. Shocker!

If not, here's the overhead view:

 

[Horn n KS]

Kaufman-Renn got away with murder pretty much the whole game. Definitely the entire 2nd half.

[TheRoJoShow]

17 hours ago, Jeff Howe said:

If not, here's the overhead view:

 

Definitely fouled him but smart play by that dude.

[TheRoJoShow]

I saw one comp as Jaden McDaniels. That would be a great outcome for him if he keeps developing his 3. Feel like that is going to determine his staying power in the league.
 

Could be a high-end role player. Late first, early second round seems right. 

[Jeff Howe]

14 minutes ago, TheRoJoShow said:

I saw one comp as Jaden McDaniels. That would be a great outcome for him if he keeps developing his 3. Feel like that is going to determine his staying power in the league.
 

Could be a high-end role player. Late first, early second round seems right. 

I like that comp. FWIW, Shaka Smart wanted Jaden McDaniels in a BAD way.

For his NBA career, McDaniels is averaging 11.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.8 STOCKS, 48.9% FG, 36% 3PT and 77.5% FT.

[horn1]

His pre draft workouts for teams will give everyone the info they need

Edited 14 hours ago by horn1

[Gerry Hamilton]

22 hours ago, Jordan91 said:

God I hope by now everyone in the game thread ripping into Swain has seen the tape showing he was fouled. He didn’t fail to block out. Shocker!

They won't. It's utterly ridiculous

[Gerry Hamilton]

8 minutes ago, horn1 said:

His pre draft workouts for teams will give everyone the info they need

You already said no chance he's a first rounder. Correct? 

[Gerry Hamilton]

This is going to be one of the best first round drafts in many years ... or it will be talked about in that manner

Just being in the convo from 25-30 in this draft says so much.

https://www.tankathon.com/mock_draft

If it was the 2025 draft, Swain goes around 22-23 IMO.

If he were to return, he would likely go 17-22'ish. 

He's not going to end up a lottery pick if he comes back IMO. So not a huge difference. 

 

[Jordan91]

6 hours ago, TheRoJoShow said:

Definitely fouled him but smart play by that dude.

If that jersey said Duke instead of Texas that foul is called. 

[Jordan91]

The top seven of this year’s draft is really talented. Want to see if Peterson is number one. 

[horn1]

1 hour ago, Gerry Hamilton said:

You already said no chance he's a first rounder. Correct? 

I didn't say "no chance" but I did say I viewed him more as a 2nd round guy & that I didn't see NBA stud written all over him.  I'm sure you're just waiting to beat your chest & prove me wrong. I guess us underlings can't have an opinion & need to kneel to the all knowing Gerry Hamilton.

Nothing I saw in the tourney has changed my mind either.  I see him as a 1 trick pony right now.  Very good dribble drive finisher. Good defensive potential but was inconsistent 1v1 wise late in the season.  Improving 3pt shot, but at times plays a little soft & doesn't always make the best decisions with the ball.

He had 2 really bad turnovers late vs Purdue.  His last bucket was big to tie...but obviously showed some lack of strength vs Purdue's brute on the final play (who clearly fouled Swain IMO).

Again, he'll need major seasoning in the G league if he bolts this year.  Not sure I see him being a long term NBA guy.  So many guys like him out there that are fighting for an NBA roster spot.

I'd like to see him coming back 1 more year, rake in more NIL, & get drafted much higher in next years weaker class.

But what do I know? I'm just a little piss ant underling.

And for the record, your preseason info on Simeon Wilcher was dead wrong.

Edited 13 hours ago by horn1

[Bunk Moreland]

6 minutes ago, horn1 said:

I didn't say "no chance" but I did say I viewed him more as a 2nd round guy & that I didn't see NBA stud written all over him.  I'm sure you're just waiting to beat your chest & prove me wrong. I guess us underlings can't have an opinion & need to kneel to the all knowing Gerry Hamilton.

Nothing I saw in the tourney has changed my mind either.  I see him as a 1 trick pony right now.  Very good dribble drive finisher. Good defensive potential but was inconsistent 1v1 wise late in the season.  Improving 3pt shot, but at times plays a little soft & doesn't always make the best decisions with the ball.

He had 2 really bad turnovers late vs Purdue.  His last bucket was big to tie...but obviously showed some lack of strength vs Purdue's brute on the final play (who clearly fouled Swain IMO).

Again, he'll need major seasoning in the G league if he bolts this year.  Not sure I see him being a long term NBA guy.  So many guys like him out there that are fighting for an NBA roster spot.

I'd like to see him coming back 1 more year, rake in more NIL, & get drafted much higher in next years weaker class.

But what do I know? I'm just a little piss ant underling.

And for the record, your preseason info on Simeon Wilcher was dead wrong.

[Gerry Hamilton]

17 minutes ago, horn1 said:

I didn't say "no chance" but I did say I viewed him more as a 2nd round guy & that I didn't see NBA stud written all over him.  I'm sure you're just waiting to beat your chest & prove me wrong. I guess us underlings can't have an opinion & need to kneel to the all knowing Gerry Hamilton.

Nothing I saw in the tourney has changed my mind either.  I see him as a 1 trick pony right now.  Very good dribble drive finisher. Good defensive potential but was inconsistent 1v1 wise late in the season.  Improving 3pt shot, but at times plays a little soft & doesn't always make the best decisions with the ball.

He had 2 really bad turnovers late vs Purdue.  His last bucket was big to tie...but obviously showed some lack of strength vs Purdue's brute on the final play (who clearly fouled Swain IMO).

Again, he'll need major seasoning in the G league if he bolts this year.  Not sure I see him being a long term NBA guy.  So many guys like him out there that are fighting for an NBA roster spot.

I'd like to see him coming back 1 more year, rake in more NIL, & get drafted much higher in next years weaker class.

But what do I know? I'm just a little piss ant underling.

And for the record, your preseason info on Simeon Wilcher was dead wrong.

Haha. You got the wrong guy. I have never claimed to know it all. That's more your stance based on posts, honestly. Just being real. 

I literally can't keep up with all the Swain ridiculous statements over the season by many. 

But love it. 

Sure Swain could take some time in the G-league, plenty of guys do. Has anyone said otherwise? And if a players does, is that seen as a negative? It shouldn't be, and here's why:

Notable Current NBA Players with G League Experience

Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers): Raptors 905

Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves): Bakersfield Jam

Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks): Fort Wayne Mad Ants

Fred VanVleet (Houston Rockets): Raptors 905

Clint Capela (Atlanta Hawks): Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Jordan Poole (Washington Wizards): Santa Cruz Warriors

Alex Caruso (Oklahoma City Thunder): Oklahoma City Blue

Max Strus (Cleveland Cavaliers): Windy City Bulls/Grand Rapids Drive

Spencer Dinwiddie (Dallas Mavericks): Windy City Bulls

Robert Covington (Philadelphia 76ers): Grand Rapids Drive 

G League Ignite Alumni (Drafted to NBA):

Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls)

Ron Holland (Detroit Pistons)

Tyler Smith (Milwaukee Bucks)

Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers)

Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)

My info on Simeon Wilcher ... I was relaying what Texas thought. He would be an improved shooter in year three. So throw that shade at the staff, and not try and take a weak BS shot. Haha. 

I'll add ... damn that feels like a post a 13 year old girl would make on social media after a boyfriend breakup. Geez. Haha.

[Joe Zura]

7 minutes ago, Gerry Hamilton said:

Haha. You got the wrong guy. I have never claimed to know it all. That's more your stance based on posts, honestly. Just being real. 

I literally can't keep up with all the Swain ridiculous statements over the season by many. 

But love it. 

Sure Swain could take some time in the G-league, plenty of guys do. Has anyone said otherwise? And if a players does, is that seen as a negative? It shouldn't be, and here's why:

Notable Current NBA Players with G League Experience

Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers): Raptors 905

Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves): Bakersfield Jam

Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks): Fort Wayne Mad Ants

Fred VanVleet (Houston Rockets): Raptors 905

Clint Capela (Atlanta Hawks): Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Jordan Poole (Washington Wizards): Santa Cruz Warriors

Alex Caruso (Oklahoma City Thunder): Oklahoma City Blue

Max Strus (Cleveland Cavaliers): Windy City Bulls/Grand Rapids Drive

Spencer Dinwiddie (Dallas Mavericks): Windy City Bulls

Robert Covington (Philadelphia 76ers): Grand Rapids Drive 

G League Ignite Alumni (Drafted to NBA):

Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls)

Ron Holland (Detroit Pistons)

Tyler Smith (Milwaukee Bucks)

Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers)

Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)

My info on Simeon Wilcher ... I was relaying what Texas thought. He would be an improved shooter in year three. So throw that shade at the staff, and not try and take a weak BS shot. Haha. 

I'll add ... damn that feels like a post a 13 year old girl would make on social media after a boyfriend breakup. Geez. Haha.

[Jordan91]

10 minutes ago, Gerry Hamilton said:

Haha. You got the wrong guy. I have never claimed to know it all. That's more your stance based on posts, honestly. Just being real. 

I literally can't keep up with all the Swain ridiculous statements over the season by many. 

But love it. 

Sure Swain could take some time in the G-league, plenty of guys do. Has anyone said otherwise? And if a players does, is that seen as a negative? It shouldn't be, and here's why:

Notable Current NBA Players with G League Experience

Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers): Raptors 905

Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves): Bakersfield Jam

Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks): Fort Wayne Mad Ants

Fred VanVleet (Houston Rockets): Raptors 905

Clint Capela (Atlanta Hawks): Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Jordan Poole (Washington Wizards): Santa Cruz Warriors

Alex Caruso (Oklahoma City Thunder): Oklahoma City Blue

Max Strus (Cleveland Cavaliers): Windy City Bulls/Grand Rapids Drive

Spencer Dinwiddie (Dallas Mavericks): Windy City Bulls

Robert Covington (Philadelphia 76ers): Grand Rapids Drive 

G League Ignite Alumni (Drafted to NBA):

Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls)

Ron Holland (Detroit Pistons)

Tyler Smith (Milwaukee Bucks)

Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers)

Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)

My info on Simeon Wilcher ... I was relaying what Texas thought. He would be an improved shooter in year three. So throw that shade at the staff, and not try and take a weak BS shot. Haha. 

I'll add ... damn that feels like a post a 13 year old girl would make on social media after a boyfriend breakup. Geez. Haha.

Ugh Fred VanVleet injury killed the Rockets!

[horn1]

10 minutes ago, Gerry Hamilton said:

Haha. You got the wrong guy. I have never claimed to know it all. That's more your stance based on posts, honestly. Just being real. 

I literally can't keep up with all the Swain ridiculous statements over the season by many. 

But love it. 

Sure Swain could take some time in the G-league, plenty of guys do. Has anyone said otherwise? And if a players does, is that seen as a negative? It shouldn't be, and here's why:

Notable Current NBA Players with G League Experience

Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers): Raptors 905

Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves): Bakersfield Jam

Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks): Fort Wayne Mad Ants

Fred VanVleet (Houston Rockets): Raptors 905

Clint Capela (Atlanta Hawks): Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Jordan Poole (Washington Wizards): Santa Cruz Warriors

Alex Caruso (Oklahoma City Thunder): Oklahoma City Blue

Max Strus (Cleveland Cavaliers): Windy City Bulls/Grand Rapids Drive

Spencer Dinwiddie (Dallas Mavericks): Windy City Bulls

Robert Covington (Philadelphia 76ers): Grand Rapids Drive 

G League Ignite Alumni (Drafted to NBA):

Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls)

Ron Holland (Detroit Pistons)

Tyler Smith (Milwaukee Bucks)

Scoot Henderson (Portland Trail Blazers)

Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)

My info on Simeon Wilcher ... I was relaying what Texas thought. He would be an improved shooter in year three. So throw that shade at the staff, and not try and take a weak BS shot. Haha. 

I'll add ... damn that feels like a post a 13 year old girl would make on social media after a boyfriend breakup. Geez. Haha.

Hey grown men can act like babies too! 

[Bunk Moreland]

3 minutes ago, horn1 said:

Hey grown men can act like babies too! 

[Gerry Hamilton]

2 minutes ago, horn1 said:

Hey grown men can act like babies too! 

You do realize we are saying essentially the same thing about Swain right? 

He's a fringe first round pick in this tremendous 2026 draft. 

[Jordan91]

26 minutes ago, horn1 said:

I didn't say "no chance" but I did say I viewed him more as a 2nd round guy & that I didn't see NBA stud written all over him.  I'm sure you're just waiting to beat your chest & prove me wrong. I guess us underlings can't have an opinion & need to kneel to the all knowing Gerry Hamilton.

Nothing I saw in the tourney has changed my mind either.  I see him as a 1 trick pony right now.  Very good dribble drive finisher. Good defensive potential but was inconsistent 1v1 wise late in the season.  Improving 3pt shot, but at times plays a little soft & doesn't always make the best decisions with the ball.

He had 2 really bad turnovers late vs Purdue.  His last bucket was big to tie...but obviously showed some lack of strength vs Purdue's brute on the final play (who clearly fouled Swain IMO).

Again, he'll need major seasoning in the G league if he bolts this year.  Not sure I see him being a long term NBA guy.  So many guys like him out there that are fighting for an NBA roster spot.

I'd like to see him coming back 1 more year, rake in more NIL, & get drafted much higher in next years weaker class.

But what do I know? I'm just a little piss ant underling.

And for the record, your preseason info on Simeon Wilcher was dead wrong.

Maybe the issue is NBA stud. Nobody said lottery pick, if they did, then I missed it. I don’t think anyone said lottery pick next year either. I wouldn’t put it past Swain to play himself into lottery status next year but that’s my own personal opinion based on just how far he has come since high school. Probably moves into 17-20 area next year. For me I see him as an NBA player that sticks. Remember Royal Ivey was a first round pick that played in the NBA for a decade. And that’s exactly where Swain is now. A guy that made himself a first round draft pick through hard work and coaching. If he’s a certain first round pick then we say thank you and root for him. I don’t see what’s wrong with that. 

[Gerry Hamilton]

11 hours ago, horn1 said:

I didn't say "no chance" but I did say I viewed him more as a 2nd round guy & that I didn't see NBA stud written all over him.  I'm sure you're just waiting to beat your chest & prove me wrong. I guess us underlings can't have an opinion & need to kneel to the all knowing Gerry Hamilton.

Nothing I saw in the tourney has changed my mind either.  I see him as a 1 trick pony right now.  Very good dribble drive finisher. Good defensive potential but was inconsistent 1v1 wise late in the season.  Improving 3pt shot, but at times plays a little soft & doesn't always make the best decisions with the ball.

He had 2 really bad turnovers late vs Purdue.  His last bucket was big to tie...but obviously showed some lack of strength vs Purdue's brute on the final play (who clearly fouled Swain IMO).

Again, he'll need major seasoning in the G league if he bolts this year.  Not sure I see him being a long term NBA guy.  So many guys like him out there that are fighting for an NBA roster spot.

I'd like to see him coming back 1 more year, rake in more NIL, & get drafted much higher in next years weaker class.

But what do I know? I'm just a little piss ant underling.

And for the record, your preseason info on Simeon Wilcher was dead wrong.

One thing I will push back on ... is the NCAA Tournament games ... You went hard on him after the NC State game ... don't want to put words in your mouth, but something along the line of first round picks don't have games like that ... 

Here's a list of some recent first rounds picks having bad/poor games in the NCAA Tournament ... some very high picks and really good pro's on this list ...

2025 NBA Draft first round:

*Carter Bryant (Arizona) R32 and R16 … 5 points, 6 rebounds, 1-4 FG’s

8 points, 3 rebounds, 2-10 FG’s

*Will Riley (Illinois) vs Kentucky R32 … 5 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist (3 TO’s) , 1-7 FG’s 

*Jase Richardson (Michigan State) R32 … 6 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1-10 FG’s

*Liam McNeeley (UConn) vs. OU R64 … 8 points, 6 rebounds, 2-13 FG’s, 1-8 from 3 

2024 NBA Draft first round:

*Ryan Dunn (Virginia) - 5 points, 5 rebounds in first round game loss

*Terrence Shannon Jr. (Illinois) - vs. UConn in E8 … 2-12, 8 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists 

*Yves Missi (Baylor) vs Clemson in R32 … 2 points, 4 rebounds 

*Jared McCain (Duke) vs UH R32 … 7 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists in 40 mins

*Rob DIllingham (Kentucky) vs Oakland R64 … 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2-9 FG’s

*Reed Sheppard (Kentucky) vs. Oakland R64 … 3 points, 4 assists, 1-5 FG’s

2023 NBA Draft first round:

*Brandon Miller (Alabama) SDSU S16 loss … 3-19, 1-10 3’s … 9 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists vs. 6 TO’s

*Anthony Black (Arkansas) vs Kansas R32 … 4 points, 4 rebounds, 1-6 FG’s in 37 mins

*Cason Wallace (Kentucky) vs Providence R64 … 7 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists … 2-11 FG’s in 39 mins

*Grady Dick (Kansas) vs. Ark in R32 … 7 points, 7 rebounds, 3-9 FG’s in 36 mins

*Keyonte George (Baylor) in R64 and R32 …  9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist … 2-9, 1-7 from 3

7 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1-10 FG’s, 0-3 3’s

*Noah Clowney (Alabama) in R32 and S16 … 5 points, 9 rebounds,, 1-5 FG’s

3 points, 8 rebounds, 1-6 FG’s

*Nick Smith (Arkansas) vs. Ill R64 … 6 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 2-10 FG’a

R32 vs Kansas … 0 points, 1 rebounds, 1 assist, 0-4 

 

Many others had average or slightly sub-par games in the tournament. They don't all perform at an elite level every game in the tournament. I'm betting if I went through 10 years of NBA Draft pick first rounders ... it would all look the same. Off nights, bad games with TO's, any young player almost bad nights defensively, etc...

Think that's just the reality of basketball.