To see the previous teams ranked in the 82 in 72 series, please see below:
63. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
65. Syracuse Orange
68. Iowa Hawkeyes
70. Butler Bulldogs
71. Princeton Tigers
74. Oklahoma Sooners
75. West Virginia Mountaineers
76. Georgia Bulldogs
77. UAB Blazers
80. Missouri Tigers
Here’s where our college basketball analysts have the Horned Frogs ranked:
| Steven | Maxwell | Kam | Cody |
| 55 | 71 | Unranked | 55 |
2022-2023 TCU Basketball: Dixon continued success
Since Jamie Dixon took over the TCU basketball program in 2015-2016, following his successful tenure at Pittsburgh, he has revitalized the team. Over the past few years, TCU has consistently finished in the middle of a highly competitive Big 12 Conference. After a solid 2021-22 season, where they ended with a 21-13 record and a 5th-place finish in the Big 12, they aimed to replicate that success during the 2022-2023 season. They achieved a 22-13 record and again finished 5th in the Big 12. This time, TCU earned a 6th seed in the NCAA Tournament. They narrowly defeated Arizona State in the first round but fell to a strong Gonzaga team by just three points in the second round. The Horned Frogs concluded the season ranked 25th in the final AP poll.
TCU’s offensive strategy has been characterized by a high-tempo, fast-paced style, aimed at spreading the floor. During the 2022-23 season, they averaged 75.3 points per game (ranking 91st nationally) and attempted 60.8 field goals per game (39th nationally). Despite this aggressive approach, their field goal percentage was relatively average, ranking 129th with a 45.3% conversion rate. Defensively, TCU allowed 68.4 points per game (125th nationally). This combination of a high-paced offense and defensive grit made them a formidable opponent.
Key to TCU’s success was the stellar backcourt duo of Mike Miles and Damion Baugh. Miles, an undersized but tenacious guard, averaged 17.9 points per game (PPG) and 2.7 assists per game (APG). Baugh, his backcourt mate, contributed significantly with 12.6 PPG and 5.8 APG. Emmanuel Miller, a 6’7″ forward, emerged as a versatile player who thrived in TCU’s transition offense.
2023-2024 Season: A New Look for the Horned Frogs
Heading into the 2023-2024 season, TCU sought to build on their previous success despite a roster overhaul. The team lost key backcourt pieces Miles and Baugh, creating a gap that needed to be filled. They added Jameer Nelson Jr., among other new role players, who stepped up to make valuable contributions. The Horned Frogs maintained their fast-paced, high-scoring offense, finishing 50th in points per game (PS/G) and 53rd in field goal attempts (FGA) per game. Their offensive efficiency improved, ending 81st in field goal percentage (FG%) at 46.1%. On the defensive end, however, the team ranked 169th, allowing 71.7 points per game (PA/G), which indicated potential vulnerabilities following the departure of veteran guards.
TCU finished the season with a 21-13 record and a 9-9 conference record, placing 7th in the Big 12. They were eliminated in the second round of the Big 12 Tournament by the top-ranked Houston team. Despite this, TCU secured an at-large bid as the 9th seed in the NCAA Tournament. They faced a well-coached, streaky Utah State team, led by Danny Sprinkle, and suffered a first-round exit.
The end of the 2023-2024 season marked the departure of several key players, including fifth-year senior Emmanuel Miller, who averaged 15.8 PPG and 6.1 RPG. Other notable departures included Jameer Nelson, Micah Peavy, and JaKobe Coles. With many impactful veterans gone, questions loom about the team’s future.
Looking Ahead: The 2024-2025 Season
As the Horned Frogs prepare for the 2024-2025 season, they face a major roster overhaul, returning only three players who contributed significantly last season. They will rely on top talent from the 2022 recruiting class, particularly Ernest Udeh, who is expected to have a significant impact in the post as he increases his minutes and role.
The Horned Frogs have been active in the offseason, adding six incoming transfers and four talented recruits. Leading the charge from the transfer portal is 6’7″ forward Trazarien White from UNC Wilmington, who was an All-CAA conference performer last season, averaging 19.8 PPG and 6.8 RPG. They have also strengthened their backcourt with veteran guards RJ Jones from Kansas State and Frankie Collins from Arizona State. Additional depth has been added with guards Noah Reynolds, Brendan Wetzel, and Vasean Allette.
To address concerns about depth and size, TCU has bolstered their roster through recruiting, adding four-star recruit Micah Robinson from Oak Hill Academy, and two three-star recruits: 6’7″ forward David Punch from Texas and 6’10” center Malik Diallo.
With a roster full of new, athletic, and proven players, TCU’s fast-paced system should be intriguing to watch. However, with only 8% of their minutes and 5.9% of their scoring returning from last season, a new leader will need to emerge to drive the offense. My dark horse pick for an All-Conference team is Trazarien White, whose adaptable game is well-suited to high major competition. Although the Horned Frogs may finish in the middle of the newly renovated Big 12, they should not be underestimated, as they could be poised for another tournament run after making three consecutive appearances.
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