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.

Brock Cunningham vs. Purdue

Brock Cunningham vs. Purdue

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. 

Brock Cunningham vs. TCU

Brock Cunningham (left) and Marcus Carr

Brock Cunningham vs. Baylor

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Longhorns? Click Here

Want to join in on the discussion? Click here to become a member of the Longhorns Country message board community today!

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Watch: Bryson DeChambeau pays tribute to the late Payne Stewart after winning U.S. Open
Rory McIlroy chokes away U.S. Open with pair of brutal missed putts
Watch: Dodgers' Mookie Betts leaves game after taking 98 mph pitch to hand
Dodgers' Dave Roberts confirms Yoshinobu Yamamoto is going on 15-day IL
Ryan Blaney staves off challengers for dominant win at Iowa Corn 350
Sky forward Angel Reese rips officials following loss to Fever
Watch: Denmark's Christian Eriksen nets goal at Euro 2024 three years after suffering cardiac arrest
Watch: UFL championship marred by late on-field altercation between Stallions, Brahmas
Is Commanders' Jayden Daniels likely to open season as starting QB?
Kyrie Irving's warning to potential Celtics is being taken out of context
What could the Ducks fetch for Trevor Zegras in trade?
The biggest surprises during the 2024 MLB season so far
Dodgers star will miss 'some time' with broken bone in left wrist
Former MLB journeyman dies at 61 years old
Pivotal Celtics center deemed questionable ahead of Game 5
Draymond Green weighs in on Klay Thompson's latest move
Tom Brady makes his broadcasting debut during UFL championship
Former top-five pick could follow the Dante Exum blueprint for NBA return
Yankees shelve top prospect once more due to injury concern
Watch: Reds' Elly De La Cruz scores from second base on pickoff attempt

Want more Texas news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.