TCU’s Jamie Dixon offers blunt assessment on program: ‘We’re not where we need to be’
Jamie Dixon’s run at Pittsburgh featured consistent NCAA Tournament berths and no losing seasons. In fact, the Panthers lost double-digit games in just five of his 13 seasons.
TCU has lost double-digit games in each of Dixon’s five seasons. The 2020-21 season reached the double-digit mark on Tuesday night with TCU falling 74-66 to No. 10 West Virginia.
The Horned Frogs are now 11-10 overall, losing eight of their last 10. They appear headed toward a losing season, which would be a first in Dixon’s head coaching career.
Dixon was asked about TCU’s remaining schedule with road trips to Iowa State, Texas Tech and West Virginia followed by a home game against Texas. In addressing that question, he spoke about the program in general.
“We came here knowing this was a tough league. The players came here knowing what it is, it’s the best league in the country,” Dixon said. “We’re fighting. We’re battling. We’ve moved up some spots since we got here, but we’re not where we need to be. We’re going to keep battling. We’ve got to find a way. There’s no excuses.”
Dixon replaced Trent Johnson following the 2015-16 season, a year in which the Frogs finished last in the Big 12. Dixon helped the team to early success by winning an NIT championship his first season and reaching the NCAA Tournament his second.
The Frogs were among the March Madness “snubs” in Dixon’s third season, but the past two seasons have been a struggle. TCU went just 16-16 last season and are now on the heels of finishing below the .500-mark for the first time in Dixon’s career.
But Dixon remains optimistic that his team will improve in the final weeks of the season. He has no concerns about his team’s morale or desire.
“I don’t see any change in us,” Dixon said. “We need them to be more physical, more aggressive, especially on the defensive end. That’s what we’re trying to get to. I’m certain we’ll come out and practice hard.
“I don’t feel any different. I’ve got some guys who are working really hard. I told them we’re going to be better on Saturday [at Iowa State]. I truly believe that.”
From a player’s perspective, junior guard RJ Nembhard agreed. The remaining games should be viewed as opportunities.
“You can’t sulk in losses. We’re in the toughest conference in America,” Nembhard said. “Those are big opportunities that we have to try to take advantage of.”
