‘His future is extremely bright.’ TCU’s Fuller continues to grow, earns Big 12 honor
TCU’s PJ Fuller has gone through the expected growing pains as a true freshman in the Big 12.
He combined to score just 20 points over 10 games when Big 12 play started, including being held scoreless against Iowa State in the conference opener on Jan. 4. He then had scoreless nights in consecutive games at Arkansas for the Big 12/ SEC Challenge on Jan. 25 and against Texas on Jan. 29.
But Fuller has steadily improved and it’s finally coming to fruition. He turned in the best game of his young career in TCU’s 75-72 upset victory over No. 2 Baylor on Saturday, scoring a season-high 21 points on 7 of 12 shooting.
Fuller earned Big 12 newcomer of the week honors for that performance, as well as his 10-point effort in TCU’s 65-59 loss at Iowa State earlier in the week.
“I tell him all the time how special he can be,” TCU senior guard Desmond Bane said. “It’s just a matter of sticking with it. I told him his freshman year there’s going to be ups and downs and it’s going to get tough at times but stick with it. He’s been in the gym. As long as he keeps doing that his future is extremely bright.”
Fuller played a season-high 37 minutes, 55 seconds against Baylor. Along with his 21 points, including 17 in the second half, he had three assists and one steal.
It was a welcomed sight for a player who joined TCU as a highly-touted prospect out of Findlay Prep in Nevada. The now-defunct prep school is known for producing a number of NBA players such as Tristan Thompson, Avery Bradley and Dillon Brooks.
“Things probably didn’t go as he expected them to right away,” Bane said. “For him to stick with it shows his maturity. He’s been in the gym. He’s been getting after it. He plays with a lot of energy and passion.”
Fuller now must continue to bring that same energy and passion — and hopefully production — in the stretch run.
Fuller knows that as well as anyone, saying after Saturday’s game: “I want to be able to compete at a high level.
“This is one of the most exciting games I’ve ever played in. To be able to do it next to these guys is just a blessing.”
TCU is looking to build off its victory over Baylor when it faces No. 1 Kansas in Lawrence on Wednesday night. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. with the game being broadcast on ESPN+.
Fuller had one of his better games of the season against KU in the first contest, scoring 10 points in TCU’s 60-46 loss on Feb. 8 in Fort Worth.
“You just hope they grow as a freshman,” TCU coach Jamie Dixon said. “Freshmen year is ups and downs. How do you respond? He’s getting all kinds of opportunities. We need him to play well.
“You’ve gone from playing in high school, which they think is one step from the NBA, to playing in the best league in the country. That’s a huge jump. It’s a challenge for them to recognize it. You’ve gone from being the oldest guy on the floor to now the youngest guy.”
Bane honored
Bane also earned recognition from the Big 12, being named co-player of the week alongside Texas’ Andrew Jones.
Bane scored 23 points, including 19 in the second half, of Saturday’s victory over Baylor. He scored 22 points in the loss at Iowa State.
It’s the first time a TCU player has earned player of the week honors this season. It’s the second time Bane has earned that honor in his career.
Asked about his big second half, which included a 5 for 5 performance from 3-point range, Bane said: “I’ve done that a few times where I go and don’t have a big half, then have another good half. I just try to stay aggressive and they happened to fall in the second half.”
Injury updates
Guards RJ Nembhard (groin) and Francisco Farabello (concussion) were not expected to be full participants in Monday’s practice, Dixon said.
Nembhard and Farabello have both missed the last two games and are questionable going into the KU game. Those are TCU’s top two point guard options.
With Nembhard and Farabello sidelined, senior Edric Dennis has assumed the primary point guard duties for the Frogs.
