Bummer alert: TCU's Horned Frogs missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021, and now their coach is on a mission to rebuild and roar back into March Madness. But can this revamped squad deliver the excitement fans crave? Let's dive into the buzz surrounding their upcoming exhibition showdown.
Following a disappointing season where the TCU men's basketball team, led by head coach Jamie Dixon, fell short of securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in three years, Dixon was laser-focused on assembling the perfect blend of talent to revive the Horned Frogs' fortunes and reclaim their place in the Big Dance.
With the official start of the 2024-25 season just under a month away, Dixon shared his satisfaction with how the squad has gelled so far during practice sessions.
He'll get his initial glimpse of the team's performance in action when they take on Tarleton State in an exhibition match at 3 p.m. on Sunday. The Horned Frogs will kick off their regular-season schedule against New Orleans at 7 p.m. on November 3, right at home in Schollmaier Arena.
The team welcomes back six players from last year's roster: starting forward David Punch, along with bench contributors Malick Diallo, Jace Posey, and Micah Robinson, plus redshirt players RJ Jones and Ashton Simmons.
In the fast-paced world of college basketball, where roster changes are the norm, Dixon stressed the importance of retaining this core group as a foundation for growth.
"We've got six returnees—two redshirted, four who saw playing time, and one starter," Dixon explained during a Tuesday presser. "In terms of production from last year's squad, it might not be the highest volume, but I see a solid starting point. I've always championed keeping players around, and that's been our hurdle. We aimed to add maturity, bulk on the perimeter, and sharper judgment from our point guards."
And here's where it gets controversial: Is Dixon's emphasis on retention really the key to success, or does the transfer portal offer an easier path to instant upgrades? Many fans debate whether loyalty pays off more than chasing flashy new talent.
TCU seemingly nailed their approach in the transfer portal, a system where eligible players can switch schools freely after their seasons end, acting like a talent marketplace for college teams. For newcomers to college hoops, think of it as a way for programs to refresh their lineups without relying solely on high school recruits or redshirts.
They kicked things off by landing 6-foot guard Brock Harding from Iowa, who racked up 5.3 assists per game for the Hawkeyes, and 6-foot guard Jayden Pierre from Providence, who hit a personal best of 12.3 points per outing with the Friars.
On the wings, the Frogs snagged 6-5 guard Tanner Toolson from Utah Valley and 6-7 guard Liutauras Lelevicius from Oregon State.
To bolster their interior presence, they acquired 6-10 center Vianney Salatchoum from Florida International, who put up 10.3 points and 1.9 blocks per game last year and earned Conference USA All-Defensive honors.
"I believe we excelled in the transfer portal," Dixon remarked. "We made smart choices and capitalized on prime opportunities, resulting in a strong collection of athletes."
TCU further strengthened their roster with junior college standout Xavier Edmonds, a 6-8 forward in his junior year, and high school phenom Kayden 'Bugg' Edwards, a 6-2 freshman guard from Duncanville, who turned heads in high school circles.
Both newcomers shone brightly during the Horned Frogs' fan fest scrimmage on October 3, with Edwards dropping a team-leading 23 points and Edmonds contributing 14 points, two three-pointers, and five rebounds.
Dixon hinted that Edmonds might emerge as a major revelation for the team, noting that the Frogs will rely on him to make an immediate impact in the paint.
This refreshed TCU squad will square off against their first real opponent in an exhibition clash at Tarleton State. It's one of the inaugural events in the Texans' brand-new EECU Center, an impressive 8,000-seat venue that debuted in September.
Dixon expressed enthusiasm for the vibrant atmosphere expected in Stephenville.
"We're pumped for Sunday—it's a one-of-a-kind chance," Dixon said. "This opportunity landed in our laps. They're inaugurating a stunning new arena, compensating us to compete, and it's a huge milestone for them. I sought out the toughest venue possible, and it was practically in our backyard. It's fantastic for Tarleton; they've mentioned it's coinciding with their homecoming, complete with a football game and live concerts.
"The facility is spectacular and gorgeous. I'm not familiar with their squad or much about them, but our guys have been performing well in drills. I'm eager to watch them test their skills against another team."
The Texans finished with a 12-20 record last season but are bringing back forward Chris Mpaka and have added guard Dior Johnson via transfer from Central Florida, a former highly touted recruit.
This is the part most people miss: How does facing a rebuilding team like Tarleton in a festive new arena truly prepare TCU for the grind of Big 12 play? Some argue it's just a fun warm-up, while others see it as a risky preview that could expose early weaknesses.
Next up, the Horned Frogs will clash with Texas in a private scrimmage on October 26 in Fort Worth—a rematch of last year's session.
With these early challenges, including a tough away exhibition and a showdown against a powerhouse SEC opponent, TCU will gauge their readiness ahead of the official season launch.
What do you think—will Dixon's blend of retention and transfers propel TCU back to the NCAA Tournament, or is there a risk of overhauling too much too soon? Do you agree that prioritizing maturity over flashy new arrivals is the winning strategy, or should coaches lean harder on the portal for quick fixes? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's discuss!
