After 66 games as a member of TCU, forward David Punch entered the transfer portal. With two years of eligibility remaining, Punch looks to find a team that could showcase his talents. Additionally, NIL increases could see him cash in. Already in a competitive atmosphere, Punch looks for teams to vie for his services.
Baylor Offers Transfer Portal Proximity for David Punch
Punch’s hometown of Harker Heights, Texas, sits 143 miles south of TCU’s campus in Fort Worth. Meanwhile, halfway between, Waco is the home of Baylor.
An hour closer to home could matter. More importantly, head coach Scott Drew’s lineup just developed a hole.
Center James Nnaji opted to transfer. Forwards Michael Rataj and Caden Powell are seniors. As a result, the Bears lack depth and low-post scoring touch.
Not to mention, Baylor plays a guard-heavy style that requires a blend of interior scoring and defense. Punch averaged 14.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game.
Kansas’ Reemergent Year Could Benefit From Punch
For the third year in a row, the Jayhawks lost double-digit games. Concerns about the long-term future of head coach Bill Self lingered all season due to his health problems. The possibility of Punch landing in Lawrence grows with the departure of forward Flory Bidunga.
MORE: College Basketball 2026 Transfer Portal Tracker: Complete List of Players Who Are Available
While the Big 12 is known for quick offenses, rebounding and physicality are also hallmarks. Furthermore, after playing in the same conference, the rising junior will be familiar with the conference landscape, negating any need for acclimation. With star Darryn Peterson headed to the NBA Draft, Self needs to fill the gap with scoring.
Nebraska’s Need for Inside Scoring Could Lure Punch
The Cornhuskers won their first NCAA Tournament game. Star forward Pryce Sandfort shoots 41.6% from the 3-point line.
With a mobile frontcourt power forward, teams may be less likely to collapse on the shooter. Instead, employing a low-post threat opens up space on the floor.
Plus, with the departure of 1,894-point scorer Rienk Mast, head coach Fred Hoiberg needs help in the paint. On top of that, competing in the Big Ten Conference tests a team’s physicality. Remember, Michigan won the National Championship in part because of its size and strength, muscling teams out of the way.
Nebraska does not fully embrace the bullying brand of basketball. It counts on finesse and timely shooting to win.
However, games in Ann Arbor, East Lansing, and West Lafayette call for a tougher style. Additionally, Hoiberg is attempting to build a consistent winner. Nothing is brought in from the transfer portal more than drawing players from different locations.
