TCU basketball made the NCAA Tournament last season for the first time since the 1997-98 campaign. Quite simply, this should not be overlooked as an incredible season, especially when you consider that the Horned Frogs peaked at No. 10 in the AP poll when completely healthy last year. Head coach Jamie Dixon has done a remarkable job turning around this program in just two years so far and the expectation should be a return to the Big Dance this season.
The Horned Frogs did not make it through the entire offseason unscathed due to losing Vladimir Brodziansky and Kenrich Williams to graduation but there is still plenty of talent on the roster. At the forefront of this, in my opinion, will be junior Jaylen Fisher. One of the better all-around guards in the nation, Fisher was putting together a very impressive season last year before going down with an injury. In 17 games last season, he averaged 12.3 points (.503/.439/.842) and 5.4 assists per game. His health will be a key to success for the team this year.
Alongside him, senior guard Alex Robinson is another superb playmaker who can effectively run the offense or find buckets himself. He is a true leader on the court and averaged 9.7 points and 6.1 assists per game. As you may notice becoming a theme with this team, TCU is excellent in terms of scoring points off of assists. Their ball movement is excellent and it starts with these two guards.
Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that the team is also bringing back two promising forwards in junior Desmond Bane and sophomore Kouat Noi. Both of these players averaged in double-figures scoring last season and should only be better with more experience under their belts.