The losing streak is over, but can TCU’s men’s basketball team stay on track at Texas?
Reeling in the midst of a six-game losing streak and with a five-day break between games, the TCU men’s basketball team hit the reset button with minicamp-type practices last week.
It paid off with subtle adjustments and changes that helped get the Horned Frogs back on track with a 68-57 victory over Kansas State on Saturday.
“We really tried to get something done, get improvement,” coach Jamie Dixon said. “I think we did.”
Now the key is to sustain that level of play going forward. TCU (14-11, 5-7 Big 12) faces its next test is at Texas Tuesday night in Austin. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Erwin Center with the game being televised on Longhorn Network.
The Longhorns defeated the Frogs 62-61 last month in Fort Worth, but have since lost big man Jericho Sims to a back injury. Sims had nine points and 13 rebounds in the first meeting.
For TCU, though, it’s about getting itself ready and maintaining the momentum from Saturday’s victory. Here’s three keys for TCU to do that.
Limiting turnovers
This is self-explanatory but turnovers have been the No. 1 issue for the Horned Frogs. They have turned it over at least 12 times in eight straight games.
But things are trending in the right direction. TCU didn’t turn it over in the final 10 minutes against K-State, and appear to have found a solution at point guard with sophomore RJ Nembhard taking over starting duties.
Freshman Francisco Farabello is still seeing plenty of minutes at point, but senior Edric Dennis has seen his playing time dip significantly. Dennis played less than five minutes in the K-State game.
“It’s about rotation,” Dixon said. “Whatever we can do to take care of the basketball more, that’s what we’ve got to do. I’m trying to make that clear to our guys. That’s the thing [turnovers] that’s hurt us the most all year long, especially in league.”
Nembhard seems comfortable in the point guard role even though Saturday marked his first career start there.
“When I started playing basketball, I played point,” Nembhard said. “Since I’ve been here I’ve been grateful enough to learn from guys ahead of me, guys like Alex Robinson. Being moved around really isn’t that tough of an adjustment for me. I’m used to it. It kind of feels natural playing the 1.”
Finding No. 1
It’s no secret that TCU’s offense runs through senior guard Desmond Bane. When he’s on, the Frogs are on.
Bane had one of his best games against K-State, finishing with 17 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and four blocks. The eight assists and four blocks were both career highs.
Now, it’s about getting that type of game on a more consistent basis. An issue this season has been Bane getting in early foul trouble. He picked up two fouls in the first half on Saturday, limiting his minutes and allowing K-State to go on a run and take a lead into halftime.
“We need him on the floor, just like most teams need their best player on the floor,” Dixon said afterward. “But he was terrific. Eight assists. That’s where he’s really progressed as far as getting other guys shots. He’s gotten so much better.”
Who’s going to step up?
TCU returned just three significant pieces from last year’s team in Bane, Nembhard and center Kevin Samuel. This is a team that needs other players to step up and deliver.
Graduate transfer Jaire Grayer filled that role on Saturday, matching his season high with 15 points. TCU needs that kind of continued production down the stretch.
The Frogs also need others to come on strong in the final month. Freshman Diante Smith had a strong preseason, but has yet to score in double figures.
Dennis hasn’t played as well as desired, shooting just 30.9% from both the field and 3-point range. Freshman PJ Fuller has struggled offensively, too, shooting just 23.6% from 3-point range. Fuller is just 3-for-22 from long range since Big 12 play started on Jan. 4.
“We’ve got to get Ed, Diante and PJ going again,” Dixon said. “We’re trying to get them going. That’s what I’ve spent a lot of time on trying to get more out of them.”
Along with that, TCU has to do a better job establishing an inside presence. Samuel has double-digit shot attempts in just two of the last 12 games. Forward Jaedon LeDee had no shot attempts against K-State despite playing close to 15 minutes.
“It’s something we’re working on,” Dixon said of getting more post touches, “but to be honest with you, we’re not very good at it. We’ve got to find ways to get better.”
