TCU Basketball: A Season of High Stakes and New Beginnings

The TCU Horned Frogs women’s basketball team is gearing up for what promises to be an exhilarating 2024-25 season under the astute leadership of coach Mark Campbell. In his inaugural year, Campbell steered the team to a commendable 20-11 record, a feat that was marred by unforeseen injuries leading to the forfeiture of two crucial conference games. Despite these setbacks, the Horned Frogs showcased their resilience by advancing to the second round of the inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT). This upcoming season holds even greater promise with the addition of star transfer guard Hailey Van Lith, whose presence has significantly bolstered the team’s prospects. Van Lith’s inclusion in a lineup already boasting talents like center Sedona Prince, guard Madison Connor, and fellow transfer guard Maddie Scheer, positions the Horned Frogs as potential frontrunners not just in the Big 12, but on the national stage as well.

For TCU, the stakes are particularly high given their historical performance in NCAA tournaments. The team has made it to the prestigious tournament only nine times, with their last appearance dating back to 2010. Furthermore, they have advanced past the second round a mere five times, with the most recent instance occurring in 2006. The Horned Frogs have not clinched a regular season conference championship since 2010, nor have they secured a conference tournament championship since 2005. These statistics underscore the high expectations surrounding the team this season, with some analysts speculating about the possibility of a national championship. However, it’s worth noting that Vegas Insider has yet to assign TCU odds to win the national championship, a decision that perhaps reflects the competitive nature of college basketball.

In terms of individual players, Sedona Prince stands out as a dominant force on the court. When healthy, Prince is virtually unstoppable, having averaged an impressive 19.7 points and 9.7 rebounds last season. Her ability to control the paint and influence the game’s tempo makes her a pivotal player for TCU. Meanwhile, guard Madison Connor is expected to play a crucial role, especially given her potential to emerge as one of the Big 12’s premier 3-point shooters. However, the team’s perimeter defense remains a potential area of concern. The addition of transfers with strong defensive reputations, such as Hailey Van Lith and Maddie Scheer, who both average over a steal per game in their careers, may help fortify this aspect of their game.

Offensively, TCU’s strategy will likely revolve around Sedona Prince, whose presence is instrumental in building the team’s depth—a necessity highlighted by last year’s injury woes. The Horned Frogs are a trendy pick for success this season, with projections suggesting they could secure between 21 and 24 victories before entering the Big 12 tournament. As fans and experts eagerly anticipate the season, the focus will be on how this talented group coalesces and whether they can translate their potential into tangible success on the court.

Switching gears to the men’s basketball scene, TCU and head coach Jamie Dixon are navigating the complexities of roster turnover in the current “transfer portal era.” Remarkably, the team has managed to retain just one player from the previous season, center Ernest Udeh Jr., amidst the departure of nine players, including three through the transfer portal. Even three walk-ons found scholarship opportunities elsewhere. The spotlight now shines brightly on Udeh, who faces considerable pressure to perform this season. Coach Dixon emphasizes the need for Udeh to enhance his defensive skills and become more involved in every play. While Udeh has shown progress, he continues to make mistakes, which Dixon attributes to his relative inexperience.

The team’s revamped roster includes six transfers, four true freshmen, and two redshirt freshmen, all of whom have reportedly meshed well over the summer. Experienced guards Frankie Collins and Noah Reynolds are expected to assume leadership roles on the court, stepping into the shoes of key outgoing veterans like Emanuel Miller, Micah Peavy, and Jakobe Coles. Five new wings, including transfers Trazarien White and Brendan Wenzel, are poised to fill these gaps. Dixon is particularly enthusiastic about this group’s shooting prowess, which could prove to be a valuable asset as the season progresses.

Freshmen David Punch and Malick Diallo will provide backup for Udeh in the frontcourt. Diallo, who suffered an ACL tear during his senior year, has recently been cleared to play and is practicing with the team. Dixon believes that the combination of Udeh’s development and the infusion of talented freshmen has strengthened the team. Their goals for the season include improving shooting accuracy, decision-making, and spacing on the court. These areas will be critical as the team seeks to build cohesion and capitalize on their strengths.

As the TCU Men’s Basketball season kicks off with their first game against Florida A&M on November 4th, the team finds itself at a pivotal juncture following three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances. With the departure of key players, TCU faces the challenge of integrating a promising new class of high school recruits and transfers into a cohesive unit capable of competing in the fiercely competitive Big 12 conference. One of the pressing questions is who will step up to fill the void left by star player Emanuel Miller, who has set his sights on joining the Dallas Mavericks.

Promising options to fill Miller’s role include UNC-Wilmington transfer Trazarien White, who has demonstrated significant potential. Additionally, freshman Micah Robinson is highly anticipated to step into a key role, though relying on a freshman carries inherent risks. Another critical question for TCU is how they will manage the center position, given that they have only two true centers on the roster and are considering a redshirt for freshman Malick Diallo. Coach Dixon has expressed cautious optimism about the roster, but the lack of depth at center remains a concern.

The team will need to rely on inexperienced players if starting center Ernest Udeh encounters foul trouble. The addition of transfers like Vasean Allette, R.J. Jones, and Brendan Wenzel adds impressive depth to the team. Allette is projected to be a key sixth man, while Wenzel’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc will be invaluable. Jones, a highly-touted recruit, enters his first season at TCU with high expectations. Freshmen Isaiah Manning and Jace Posey are also highlighted as potential contributors by Coach Dixon. Manning’s physicality and rebounding abilities make him a good fit for the small-ball center position, while Posey, the son of former NBA champion James Posey, brings athleticism and a flair for exciting plays in transition.

With a wealth of talent and a challenging schedule ahead, TCU Men’s Basketball presents an intriguing narrative for the season. The answers to the aforementioned questions will ultimately determine their success as they navigate the competitive landscape of college basketball. The stakes are high, and the team’s performance will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. As both the men’s and women’s teams embark on their respective journeys, the TCU basketball program stands on the cusp of a potentially transformative season.

In conclusion, the 2024-25 season for TCU basketball is rife with possibilities and challenges. The women’s team, under the guidance of Coach Campbell, is poised to make a significant impact, driven by a roster filled with talent and ambition. Similarly, the men’s team, led by Coach Dixon, is navigating a period of transition, with new faces eager to make their mark. Both teams are united by a common goal: to achieve success and elevate the TCU basketball program to new heights. As the season unfolds, the journey promises to be one of excitement, growth, and determination.