TCU Basketball: 3 takeaways from blowout win versus USC

TCU’s freshman class is much better than initially anticipated

Crowded beneath a load of high-level recruiting schools in the Big 12, TCU has never been much of an impactful school in terms of recruiting.

However, TCU’s pair of four star recruits are looking like the future of the program early on, especially after the performance put on display on Friday.

Kevin Samuel, the Horned Frog’s highest-rated recruit in the Class of 2018, has made the most of his opportunity to start at center. On Friday night, Samuel recorded an impressive double-double, notching ten points and 13 rebounds in just 15 minutes.

Samuel is averaging eight points per game and seven rebounds per game thus far in his freshman campaign, and will look to expand on those numbers heading into conference play next month.

TCU’s other top recruit, Kendric Davis, also made the most of his limited minutes off the bench, adding eight points and an assist in just 12 minutes. If Fisher’s nagging injuries resurface, Davis will certainly need to step it up in an extended role, whether it be in the starting rotation or off the bench,

Obviously its important for teams to build a strong future foundation, whether it be through recruiting or developing underclassmen in lesser roles. Jamie Dixon is doing just that in Fort Worth, as Samuel and Davis are developing into future stars for TCU. Seniors JD Miller and Alex Robinson carry a lot of the load in the present, but once they graduate, someone will need to pick up the slack.

They’ve been impressive early on, but it’ll be a storyline to watch throughout the season if TCU’s freshmen can continue to make an impact.