As the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, guard Dailyn Swain joins the Chicago Bulls after a productive junior year at the University of Texas.
Swain was the SEC Newcomer of the Year, averaging 17.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.6 steals while shooting 34.4% from 3-point range in 36 games. He was also voted to the All-SEC second team by the conference's coaches.
The 21-year-old was the only Division I player to lead his team in five different categories (scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, minutes). He was just the third SEC player in the last 30 years to average at least 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists (Grant Williams, Ben Simmons).
Swain became the 21st player in program history to be drafted in the first round.
He was the 12th first-round selection under coach Sean Miller and the first since Dalen Terry was selected 18th by Chicago out of Arizona in 2022.
The 6-foot-7 Swain logged four appearances with the Bulls in summer league, averaging 4.2 points, five rebounds and 2.2 assists. He debuted in Las Vegas with seven points, four rebounds and three assists on July 10 in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Bulls were ecstatic to add Swain, along with fellow first-round pick Caleb Wilson, to the roster for next season, their first under coach Tiago Splitter. The organization is eager to see the two players hit the court and help begin to turn things around.
Throughout September, Rookie Wire is compiling some of the most interesting facts about each first-round pick in an effort to further introduce the incoming draft class ahead of the 2026-27 season
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Chick-fil-A
Swain revealed in an interview with KVUE-TV that he frequents Chick-fil-A and that he probably can't go a week without eating at the popular fast-food restaurant. He may remain familiar with the chain since rookie duties often include providing food for road trips, and Chick-fil-A is often a popular request among NBA players.
High School
Swain attended Columbus Africentric Early College, where he was a two-time Ohio Division III Player of the Year as a junior and senior. He averaged 18.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 3.5 steals and 3.2 blocks as a senior, leading his team to a district championship and the Ohio Division III Final Four. He left as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 1,509 points.
Sonny Styles
Swain grew up in Ohio with Sonny Styles, a linebacker at Ohio State and the No. 7 overall pick in the NFL draft by the Washington Commanders. The two played basketball together as youngsters, which they discussed in an interview with Bleacher Report at the NBA draft. Styles debuted with the Commanders on Sunday, recording four tackles in a 24-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Tennis
In addition to basketball, Swain also played soccer, baseball, football and tennis growing up. He told Sportico in June that he played tennis in high school and went to the regionals.
Xavier
Swain played his first two years of college at Xavier under Miller before following him to Texas for the 2025-26 season. He averaged eight points, 4.3 rebounds, two assists and 1.3 steals across 63 total appearances with the Musketeers.
This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: 5 fun facts: Get to know Bulls' Dailyn Swain before rookie season
