Big 12 Basketball Tournament: Key 2018-19 storylines for Kansas State vs. TCU
Players to Watch
With Dean Wade out, Kansas State’s other superstar senior will need to come up big.
Barry Brown Jr, the Big 12’s Defensive player of the year, will need a big game on defense and offense.
The Wildcats’ primary ball-handler will need to be a big-time facilitator, as well as a difference-maker on the defensive end. Brown is the clear leader on the Wildcats’ team in wake of Wade’s absence, and will need to perform as such.
After going cold for about 39 minutes against Oklahoma State, Desmond Bane hit the biggest shot of his life. That shot will need to carry over into Thursday’s game. Bane needs a big performance, and must show up for all 40 minutes, rather than just the last minute.
If Bane can contribute 20 points, and TCU’s offense can play like it did in the first half on Wednesday, TCU will be looking very good to win this game.
Kevin Samuel, TCU’s freshman center, had a big first half against Oklahoma State, dropping ten points, and making a big impact on the glass. With Kansas State’s top big man out in Wade, Samuel will have the perfect opportunity to explode against the Wildcats. A double-double would do wonders for the Frogs, whose guard play should balance well with the impact of Samuel.