NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Kentucky rises, Wisconsin falls
23. TCU Horned Frogs
Record: 11-1 (0-0 Big 12)
Last Week: No. 25
TCU’s non-conference schedule was not exactly the most challenging but they have done a great job considering they were not healthy for most of it. The Horned Frogs have only recently reached full health and they are a force to be reckoned with when on their game. If they were healthy from the opening game this season, I find it hard to believe that they wouldn’t be undefeated (only loss came to Lipscomb on Nov. 20 – Jaylen Fisher played seven minutes) and ranked in the top-15 at this point in time. Head coach Jamie Dixon’s team is that talented.
With a superb backcourt and capable bigs, the Horned Frogs can win in a variety of ways and that is something different about this team compared to last year. When necessary, TCU has the ability to lock down defensively and force teams into tough shots. As of right now, the Horned Frogs are ranked at 26th in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency. For reference, they were 100th in that category just last year. If this level of defensive play continues into Big 12 play, this team can compete near the top of the league.
Additionally, the Horned Frogs have the ability to speed up the pace of most games. TCU’s elite guard play does a superb job applying pressure to ball handlers, pushing the pace in transition, and moving the ball offensively. They rank 103th in the nation in tempo and this is fourth-highest in the Big 12.