TCU Basketball: Is Desmond Bane a Player of the Year candidate?

With his decision to return to TCU Basketball for his senior year, Desmond Bane is one of the best players in the Big 12. Could Bane win player of the year?

No team in the Big 12 has undergone more chances to their roster than TCU Basketball.

Through losing several scholarship players last season, having seniors and other players leave the team after last season, and just a massive roster turnover in general, the TCU Horned Frogs expect to look a whole lot different next season.

However, one player in particular’s return will play a huge role in the success of the Horned Frogs next season. That player is Desmond Bane.

Bane anchored the TCU offense last season and decided to test the NBA draft waters during May. Bane decided to return to school for his fourth and final season and will be the top player on the TCU roster entering the 2019-20 season.

Last season, Bane averaged 15 points and six rebounds per game, shooting the ball at a 50% clip en route to being named to the All-Big 12 Second Team. Bane’s efficiency from three was a big factor in his production, as he was TCU’s primary option in all scoring situations, particularly behind the arc.

With J.D. Miller and Kouat Noi gone, the Horned Frogs shooting looks a lot more thin than in previous years. Naturally, Bane will need to step up, picking up the production of departed players.

TCU isn’t totally lost on offense, however, as top recruit P.J. Fuller should play a big role from the beginning, as should a few transfers.

Bane’s play will be the biggest, as he will be TCU’s primary shot-taker and offensive threat. Considering the role that Bane will play this season, Big 12 Player of the Year aspirations are not too far-fetched.

Without Miller or Noi, Bane could easily average 20 points per game, a number that likely won’t be reached by any other player in the Big 12. Assuming that Bane’s rebounding numbers stay above five, he’ll have a legitimate case to be a contender, and perhaps the front-runner, to win the Big 12 Player of the Year.

TCU will have some work to do if they want to avenge last season’s NCAA Tournament snub, but if they can get a huge season out of Bane, the Horned Frogs should find themselves easily in the picture to make their second tournament in the Jamie Dixon era.