The TCU men's basketball team is gearing up for an exciting season, with a fresh look and a renewed focus on bringing the Horned Frogs back to March Madness glory. After a disappointing absence from the NCAA Tournament, head coach Jamie Dixon has been working tirelessly to assemble a strong lineup, and the results are promising.
With a solid core of returning players, including starting forward David Punch and reserves Malick Diallo, Jace Posey, Micah Robinson, RJ Jones, and Ashton Simmons, the team has a strong foundation. However, the real excitement comes from the recent additions through the transfer portal, which have significantly boosted the team's talent and depth.
The transfer portal haul includes some impressive names: Brock Harding, a 6-foot guard from Iowa, and Jayden Pierre, a 6-foot guard from Providence. Harding's exceptional court vision, averaging 5.3 assists last season, and Pierre's career-high 12.3 points per game, make them valuable assets. The team also strengthened its wing position with the addition of Tanner Toolson from Utah Valley and Liutauras Lelevicius from Oregon State, both standing at 6-5 and 6-7, respectively.
Furthermore, TCU brought in size and defensive prowess with Vianney Salatchoum, a 6-10 center from Florida International. Salatchoum's impressive performance last season, including 10.3 points and 1.9 blocks per game, and his selection to the Conference USA All-Defensive team, make him a force to be reckoned with.
The team's most recent additions are Xavier Edmonds and Kayden 'Bugg' Edwards, both of whom stood out during the fan fest scrimmage. Edmonds, a 6-8 junior forward, and Edwards, a 6-2 freshman guard, showcased their skills with impressive scoring and rebounding. Edmonds, in particular, is expected to be a surprise package, providing instant impact in the frontcourt.
The Horned Frogs will face their first test in an exhibition game against Tarleton State on Sunday, which will be held in the Texans' new EECU Center, a state-of-the-art arena. This game promises an electric atmosphere, as it's a significant event for Tarleton and will be played in a brand-new venue. The team is eager to showcase their skills and adapt to the unique challenge of playing in a new environment.
Following the exhibition, the team will face Texas in a 'secret scrimmage' on October 26th, providing another early test. These early games will give the team a chance to gauge their progress and prepare for the regular season, which starts against New Orleans on November 3rd at Schollmaier Arena.
With a mix of experienced returnees and talented transfers, the TCU men's basketball team is poised for a successful season, and the excitement is palpable as they gear up for their first game.
