Brock Cunningham Clarifies Post Game Comments, Will Play in 2022-23

The Austin native posted a heartfelt message to social media after the Horns second round loss to Purdue on Sunday

AUSTIN -- Texas forward Brock Cunningham always seemed destined to wear the burnt orange and white. 

An Austin native who played high school hoops at Austin Westlake, Cunningham wasn't a popular name when he was recruited in 2018 by former Texas coach Shaka Smart. 

That quickly changed, as Cunningham's all-or-nothing aggressive play style made him a Texas fan-favorite during his first few seasons as a Longhorn. 

But after Sunday's 81-71 loss to Purdue in the second round of the NCAA Men's Tournament, Cunningham seemed to hint at the possibility of his Texas career coming to an end.

Benny Sieu, USA Today

Brock Cunningham vs. Purdue

Ebony Cox, USA Today

Brock Cunningham vs. Purdue

Jeff Hanisch, USA Today

Brock Cunningham vs. Purdue

Cunningham took to Twitter after the loss with a heartfelt message to Longhorn nation: 

"I grew up wanting to represent those 5 letters," Cunningham said. "That burnt orange and white was a dream. Thank you to the team, the fans, and everyone in between. I loved it all."

Instead of bidding farewell to his junior year, Cunningham was speaking in past tense when referring to his Texas career. Unlike most of the team, he still has a year of eligibility left and could come back for his senior season if he wants. 

However, later on Monday evening, Cunningham once again took to Twitter. This time to clarify his comments, and clarify his intent to return to the team next season as a grad student.

I’m sorry for the confusion," Cunningham said. "My last tweet was to show my appreciation of the university and the support we received. I will return to play at texas while I finish a masters program.

Cunningham had three points, five rebounds, and two assists vs the Boilermakers. He averaged 2.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game this season to go along with 48 percent shooting. 

Amy Kontras, USA Today

Brock Cunningham vs. TCU

Brock Cunningham (left) and Marcus Carr

Brock Cunningham vs. Baylor

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