Texas Longhorns' 2027 NBA Draft Prospects: A Trio to Watch
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The Texas Longhorns are riding momentum from a Sweet 16 appearance and looking ahead to an even brighter 2026-27 season. Head coach Sean Miller, entering his second year in Austin, has assembled a roster that blends returning core players, savvy transfers, and a standout freshman. The result is a team expected to compete at the top of the SEC, and if the pieces click, the Longhorns could see multiple players hear their names called in the 2027 NBA Draft. Here is a closer look at three prospects who are generating buzz.
Austin Goosby arrives as one of the most heralded freshmen in the program's recent history. Rated the No. 19 overall player and the No. 4 combo guard in the 2026 recruiting class by 247Sports, the 6-foot-5, 205-pound McDonald's All-American brings a combination of size and skill that should translate immediately. His brother, Trevor Goosby, plays football for Texas, adding a family connection to the athletic pedigree. Goosby's athleticism will catch the eye of NBA scouts, but his draft stock hinges on his ability to knock down perimeter shots consistently. If he posts a solid shooting season, he could be a first-round pick in 2027.
David Punch transferred from TCU after two seasons with the Horned Frogs, where he developed into a versatile forward. Listed at 6-foot-7 and 245 pounds, Punch averaged 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game as a sophomore, shooting 50.3% from the field. His well-rounded game—scoring inside, defending multiple positions, and contributing on the glass—makes him a potential role player at the next level. However, his 23.9% shooting from beyond the arc is a glaring weakness. Another productive season, especially against the tougher competition of the SEC, could elevate Punch into first-round conversations if he improves his 3-point accuracy.
Matas Vokietaitis enters his second season with the Longhorns after transferring from Florida Atlantic. Standing 7 feet tall and weighing 255 pounds, the big man was a force in his first year in Austin, averaging 15.6 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting an efficient 61.9% from the field. His size and interior presence make him a valuable frontcourt rotation piece in the NBA, and his scoring touch around the rim is already at a high level. Vokietaitis has the potential to be a first-round pick in 2027, especially if he demonstrates improved footwork, defensive awareness, and the ability to stretch the floor occasionally.
All three players face distinct challenges. Goosby must prove he can shoot efficiently at the college level. Punch needs to show he can consistently hit from deep. Vokietaitis must expand his game beyond the paint. But if they meet these challenges, Texas could have a trio of first-round picks in the 2027 draft. The Longhorns' success under Miller will depend on how these prospects develop, and the NBA scouting community will be watching closely.
This article was written by Derek Parker, who covers the NBA for On SI and has five seasons of experience covering multiple teams. Parker graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2020.
Article commentary
The Texas Longhorns are building a compelling narrative for the 2027 NBA Draft, with three prospects who each bring distinct strengths and clear areas for growth. The program's trajectory under Sean Miller is promising, especially after a Sweet 16 run that demonstrated the team's ability to compete at a high level. The addition of a top-20 freshman like Austin Goosby adds immediate buzz, but his success will depend on his perimeter shooting—a skill that often determines whether a combo guard becomes a first-round pick or slides. Goosby's athleticism and size are NBA-ready, but college shooting numbers are closely scrutinized, and he needs to prove he can consistently knock down shots from distance. David Punch represents a more experienced prospect who has already produced solid numbers at TCU. His versatility is attractive—he can score, rebound, block shots, and even handle the ball some. The glaring issue is his 3-point shooting, which at 23.9% is a red flag for a forward hoping to play at the next level. The SEC will provide a tougher defensive test, and if Punch can improve his efficiency from deep while maintaining his all-around production, he could climb from a potential second-rounder to a first-round lock. The key is whether he can show consistent improvement over a full season. Matas Vokietaitis is perhaps the most intriguing of the three. His size and scoring efficiency are elite, and his 7-foot frame with a 255-pound build is exactly what NBA teams look for in a backup center. However, the modern NBA demands versatility—big men must be able to defend on the perimeter, switch screens, and occasionally shoot. Vokietaitis has not shown that yet, and his draft stock will depend on how much he can expand his game beyond the paint. If he can add a mid-range jumper or show improved lateral quickness, he could sneak into the late first round. From a team perspective, Texas is well-positioned to develop these players. Miller's coaching staff has a track record of preparing players for the NBA, and the SEC schedule will provide ample exposure against top competition. The Longhorns' success will also depend on chemistry and how these three fit together with returning players and transfers. If Texas meets preseason expectations, the draft buzz will only grow. But the biggest factor remains individual improvement: each prospect must address a specific weakness. The 2027 draft class is deep, but these three Longhorns have the talent to stand out if they deliver on their potential.