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Breaking: Texas lands hoops transfer David Punch

Texas has secured the commitment of transfer forward David Punch, addressing one of its most significant roster needs for the 2026-27 season. Punch went public with his commitment Sunday night, posting the news on Instagram.

A national top-100 recruit out of Harker Heights in the 2024 class, Punch joins the Longhorns after two seasons at TCU. As a sophomore, the 6-foot-7-inch, 245-pound Punch was an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection, averaging 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.3 steals per game.

Punch gives Texas a presence at the power forward spot it lacked during its run to the Sweet 16 in Sean Miller’s first season.

Along with his ability to keep the ball moving on offense, Punch should immediately help the Longhorns improve on the defensive end of the floor. Punch blocked 66 shots and recorded 45 steals in 34 games; Punch doubled Matas Vokietaitis’ team-leading 33 blocked shots this past season and only Dailyn Swain’s 59 steals topped Punch’s totals among Texas players.

The addition of Punch and the return of Vokietaitis give the Longhorns two tremendous frontcourt pieces for Miller’s second season. Currently, with Swain making himself eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, Texas has four starting spots penciled in for next season: Punch, Vokietaitis, Colorado transfer guard Isaiah Johnson and McDonald’s All-American guard Austin Goosby.

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Neil Leininger

Supporters

@Gerry Hamilton so last week I asked if you would take Swain and Matas returning whike adding Johnson and Punch. 75% in one weeked is pretty outstanding for Miller and company.

LonghornFan4Ever

Supporters

All about finding solid role players that fit what Texas needs at this point.  Similar to Sark in football with his offense this upcoming season, Miller will have a lot of weapons, but there’s only so many minutes and one basketball to go around.  It’s a good problem to have.

  • Moderators

For anyone wondering if Punch will have a transition or if the SEC will provide something tougher for Punch next year ... I'm not one of those. Big 12 is very high level at the top, and with bigs and skilled 4's.

Some of his games...

24 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 1 steal vs. Kansas

19 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals vs. Florida

17 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals vs. Wisconsin

20 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assists, 5 blocks, 1 steal at Kansas

10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals vs Arizona

16 points, 5 assists, 1 block vs. Houston

16 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks in NCAA Tournament vs Ohio State

Had some tougher games too, but overall vs. NCAA Tournament teams he averaged:

12.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.9 blocks, 1.0 steals in 13 games

 

  • Moderators
6 minutes ago, LonghornFan4Ever said:

All about finding solid role players that fit what Texas needs at this point.  Similar to Sark in football with his offense this upcoming season, Miller will have a lot of weapons, but there’s only so many minutes and one basketball to go around.  It’s a good problem to have.

Yep. That's it

Nathan B

Supporters

Find a 3 and D wing and you’re one of early top 5 teams.

TheContractor12

Supporters
2 hours ago, Gerry Hamilton said:

Texas will be a top 10 ranked team preseason ... mark this one. 

They are far from done

call your shot, Swain back? I think so. 

Dday

Supporters

I assume we need a back up point guard.

  • Moderators
3 minutes ago, TheContractor12 said:

call your shot, Swain back? I think so. 

No way to know that right now 

He’s slightly ascending in mocks ahead of combine 

The NBA is the dream, and he’s got legit shot to stay in

Talked to NBA scout of a team that won’t draft him (not position of need) over the weekend … that franchise has him as late first rounder right now. 
 

We shall see 

Nathan B

Supporters

Both of the new additions have great free throw rates as well, which will be huge with Matas already on the team.

ryanN

Members

@Gerry Hamilton maybe Bryce Lindsay comes over finally he can be that guard off the bench with experience that can shoot 

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