‘He’s an all-league player.’ TCU’s Bane putting together standout senior season
Asked about TCU guard Desmond Bane having a big game against his team, Oklahoma State coach Mike Boynton simply smiled.
“Have you watched him play?” Boynton said.
Yes, college basketball fans in Fort Worth have seen Bane doing his thing for the last four seasons. He starred once again in a low-scoring affair, providing a much-needed offensive punch with a game-high 20 points in TCU’s 52-40 victory Saturday over Oklahoma State.
“He’s an all-league player,” Boynton said. “Unbelievable respect for that man. You can tell he cares about winning. He understands when his team needs a basket and steps up to that challenge. He did that time and time again today.”
Bane has done that more often than not in his terrific college career, and will need more performances of that nature if TCU is going to return to the NCAA Tournament after being snubbed last season.
The Horned Frogs (12-3) are 3-0 in Big 12 play for the first time since joining the league — and the program’s best start in conference play since going 14-0 as a member of the WAC in 1997-98.
“I’m not surprised,” said Bane, who has reached the 20-point mark in six games (and TCU is 6-0 in those games).
“I knew what type of team we had. We’ve been through a lot in this early season. Game-winners, lost bad, won big. We’ve seen a little bit of everything. I know this team is built for it. We’ve approached Big 12 play the right way.
“It’s a blessing to be 3-0, but we’re trying to get to 4-0.”
As Boynton alluded to, Bane is all about doing what it takes to win games. Along with his 20 points against the Cowboys, he had nine rebounds, six assists and three steals.
TCU’s coaching staff named Bane the “Big Tough Frogman” for his effort. The staff deemed seven of the Bane’s nine rebounds were of the “traffic” variety, meaning multiple bodies in the area could have gotten the board.
Bane was also credited with nine deflections and three fouls drawn. Oh, and he joined the 1,500-point club during the game.
“He does everything,” TCU coach Jamie Dixon said. “More importantly, he’s a presence and a great representative of the university. How he is on the floor and his demeanor, but off the floor he always has a good day. He’s never had a bad one. That’s the type of kid you want to represent your program.
“He’s just gotten better and better. He checks all the boxes.”
Bane provides veteran leadership, as well, especially for a team full of young, promising players such as freshmen Francisco Farabello, PJ Fuller and Diante Smith. He sets the tone.
“It’s really fun playing with him, for sure,” Farabello said. “Incredible player, incredible defender.”
Francisco chuckled and added: “Yeah, I have to say that [defender line] for the cameras. Off the court, he’s an incredible guy. It’s a pleasure and a blessing having him in the gym.”
Going into Tuesday’s game at No. 12 West Virginia, Bane was averaging 17.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists. With 1,510 career points, he’s just two shy of Kurt Thomas (1,512) for seventh all-time in program history.
Darrell Browder is the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,886 points.
Asked about the 1,500-point milestone, Bane said: “It’s huge. I thank my coaches and teammates. I’ve played with great players all four years. It made it easy on me.
“I played in my role and did what I could for this team and this program. I can’t thank my teammates and coaches enough.”
This story was originally published January 14, 2020 at 5:04 PM.
