TCU Basketball: JUCO big Souleymane Doumbia gives boost to 2021 class
One of the top JUCO prospects in the 2021 class has committed to TCU Basketball. Souleymane Doumbia fills a big need for the Horned Frogs.
Dating back to his days at Pittsburgh, TCU Basketball head coach Jamie Dixon’s teams have always done best when there are quality frontcourt players to lead the way. The program is hoping the newest commit for the Horned Frogs, Souleymane Doumbia can be the next big thing.
He was great at Navarro College last season, averaging 10.4 ppg and 6.9 rpg. Doumbia was a major star on the defensive end, blocking at least a couple of shots each game. The 7’0 big man from the Ivory Coast has great athleticism and instincts will make the transition from the Junior College level to the Big 12 a year from now.
The Horned Frogs were one of eight contenders for Doumbia’s services, beating out the likes of Alabama, Seton Hall, and Houston. Staying in the state of Texas (where Navarro College is located) must have been a selling point, along with playing time for the big man once he enters his junior campaign.
Last season, TCU used fairly small lineups with center Kevin Samuels inside. Between the transfers from the previous offseason and Ohio State transfer Jaedon LeDee not having the greatest impact, the overall depth in the frontcourt left a lot to be desired. The hope is that three-star freshmen Terren Frank and Eddie Lampkin can rotational pieces for the upcoming season.
As far as the 2021-22 campaign goes, plenty depends on the status of Samuel. He had a very good past season (10.0 ppg and 8.4 rpg) and a breakout junior year could have him go pro. That would give Doumbia an even bigger role once he arrives on campus and potentially start. But at bare minimum, the JUCO big has a great chance at rotational minutes, and could even play alongside Samuel if Coach Dixon wants to use a large lineup.
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Considering that TCU doesn’t have any seniors on the 2020-21 roster, there’s a chance that Souleymane Doumbia is the only committment in the next recruiting class. But considering that he may be the best JUCO frontcourt prospect out there, it’s one massive pickup for the Horned Frogs.