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Texas basketball gets portal commitment from former TCU forward David Punch, per report
TL;DR
Texas basketball has secured a commitment from former TCU forward David Punch, who averaged 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds last season. Punch, a two-year player at TCU, is expected to fill the starting power forward position alongside Matas Vokietaitis.
Texas basketball coach  Sean Miller continued to rebuild his roster with the portal commitment of former TCU forward David Punch, according to a report by The Athletic.
The 6-foot-7, 245-pound Punch will likely step into the starting power forward role next to 7-foot post Matas Vokietaitis, who announced his decision to return to Texas Friday. Last season, Punch averaged 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.98 blocks a game while becoming one of the Big 12âs best two-way power forwards.
Punch, who has two remaining years of eligibility, joins former Colorado guard Isaiah Johnson as the two portal players who have committed to Texas. Punch and Johnson ranked seventh and 12th, respectively, in ESPNâs list of the top 60 available transfers.
Forward David Punch, an honorable mention All-Big 12 player this past season with TCU, will reportedly join Texas basketball after two seasons at TCU. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) (Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Miller and Texas general manager Chris Ogden still have some work to do since the Longhorns lost seven of the eight players in their rotation during an NCAA Tournament run that ended with a 79-77 loss to Purdue March 26 in the Sweet 16. Guards Tramon Mark, Chendall Weaver and Jordan Pope used up their eligibility, and Miller lost starting forward Cam Heide, reserve forward Nic Codie and reserve guard Simeon Wilcher to the transfer portal.
Forward Dailyn Swain declared for the NBA draft after an All-SEC junior season.
But a starting rotation is starting to take shape. Vokietaitis and Punch will likely start in the front court, and Johnson will likely start alongside 6-5 McDonald's All-American recruit Austin Goosby, the jewel of the Longhornsâ 2026 recruiting class. A starting wing to replace the departed Swain seems like a top priority, along with guard depth.
A set of forwards in rising sophomore Declan Duru and rising redshirt freshmen John Clark and Lewis Obiorah are expected back, since none have yet announced any intentions to transfer. Incoming freshman Coleman Elkins will be another forward on next yearâs roster.
Miller will also welcome in two more freshmen in shooting guards Bo Ogden and Joe Sterling. Ogden, the son of Texas general manager Chris Ogden, recently earned the All-CenTex player of the year award from the Austin American-Statesman after leading Westlake High School to the state tournament.
Q&A
What are David Punch's stats from last season at TCU?
David Punch averaged 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.98 blocks per game during his last season at TCU.
How does David Punch's commitment impact Texas basketball's roster?
David Punch's commitment is expected to strengthen Texas basketball's roster by filling the starting power forward role alongside returning player Matas Vokietaitis.
Who are the top transfer players committed to Texas basketball this season?
Alongside David Punch, former Colorado guard Isaiah Johnson is also committed to Texas basketball, with both players ranked among the top available transfers by ESPN.
