Graduate student forward Brock Cunningham confirmed that he will return to play for Texas in the 2023-24 season on Feb. 16, making use of his extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19.

Cunningham, born and raised in Austin, played high school basketball at St. Stephen’s High School and Westlake High School where he led the former to its first state championship and the latter to the 6A state semifinals. He committed to Texas in 2017 under former head coach Shaka Smart and is now the last Smart recruit that remains in the program.

“There’s a little bit more pressure (when) everyone knows that you’re from Austin,” Cunningham said. “I’ve embraced being the Austin kid ever since I stepped on campus, so I’ve loved every minute of it.”

During his time on the Forty Acres, Cunningham has appeared in 103 games and is on pace to break the all-time appearance record for Texas men’s basketball, which is currently held by A.J. Abrams with 144 games.

“I haven’t thought about it a lot,” Cunningham said when asked about potentially breaking the record. “That’d be a nice record to have, but I’d rather go get a Big 12 conference championship, tournament championship and make a run to be completely honest.”

Ever since joining the team, Cunningham has earned the title Glue Guy. This stems from his play style, defined by giving 100% effort on both ends of the floor and being reliable at any point in a game. The nickname has stuck, no pun intended, as evidenced by the Glue Guy t-shirts from Last Stand Hats

There’s no denying what Cunningham brings to the team on the defensive end. He has registered 78 steals and 20 blocks in his collegiate career thus far. Cunningham has also become an elite three-point shooter. He is shooting 45% from three on the season, contributing to his 137.1 offensive rating, the fifth highest in the nation according to KenPom’s College Basketball Ratings.

“Brock has been second to none,” senior forward Timmy Allen said. “I don’t think anybody has given him enough props. I don’t think anybody expected him to be able to do what he’s doing at that level. He’s a baller.”

Cunningham plays an integral role on the team. He is often one of the first substitutes to come off the bench and notches 18.2 minutes per game, most of which come later in games, signifying the trust interim head coach Rodney Terry has in him.

Not only has Cunningham built a bond with his teammates and coaches, but he also has a special connection with Longhorn fans and students. Cunningham is often regarded as the liaison between Longhorn nation and the team, encouraging fans on social media to show up and be loud and fill The Corral, Texas’ official student section.

Next year’s squad may look a little different than the current roster, so Cunningham’s return could prove instrumental in the development of younger players such as sophomore guard Tyrese Hunter, freshman forward Dillon Mitchell, freshman guard Arterio Morris and incoming recruits.

“You can never underestimate the value of experience,” Allen said.