TCU Basketball’s Last Season Reveals the Next Step After a Tournament Run

A season of progress and setbacks

TCU went 11-7 in Big 12 play, finishing sixth in a competitive conference. The Frogs opened the NCAA Tournament with a win over Ohio State, then lost 81-58 to Duke in the second round.

The season included early trouble, including a loss to New Orleans, and wins over ranked opponents Florida and Iowa State. TCU also beat Wisconsin at the Rady Children’s Invitational and collected conference wins over Texas Tech, Baylor and Oklahoma State.

After beating Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Tournament, TCU fell to Kansas. Losses to Colorado and Houston highlighted concerns with consistency, offensive execution, shooting and ball security.

Returning players offer continuity

Xavier Edmonds returns after earning All-Big 12 Third Team honors. He averaged 12.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game and recorded 11 double-doubles. Micah Robinson averaged 10.9 points and 4.7 rebounds, started TCU’s final 12 games and scored 18 points in each NCAA Tournament game. Brock Harding, the returning point guard, is expected to bring experience and playmaking as the team works newcomers into the offense.

Tanner Toolson and Drew McElroy also return. The returning group’s development and its help integrating new players could shape the team’s progress.

A higher bar in conference play

The Horned Frogs were picked seventh in the Big 12 preseason poll, one place below their sixth-place finish last season. That gives the team an opportunity to outperform outside expectations.

TCU also lost David Punch, who averaged 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds before transferring to Texas. His departure leaves the returning players and newcomers with a role in addressing the roster changes.