Analysis: How TCU men’s basketball rebuilt its roster after disappointing 2024 campaign
After landing a fourth transfer in Utah Valley’s Tanner Toolson, men’s basketball coach coach Jamie Dixon is putting the final touches on TCU’s 2025 roster.
The Horned Frogs have put together a transfer class that focused heavily on rebuilding a backcourt that lost Frankie Collins and Vasean Allette to the transfer portal.
TCU put an emphasis on shooting after the Horned Frogs ranked No. 300 nationally in 3-point field goal percentage in the 2024-25 season. There’s optimism the new additions will also help TCU execute at a higher level in the half court with all the new spacing.
The transfer class is important, but the Horned Frogs maintaining their young core from last season is the biggest reason to be optimistic about a bounce back year from TCU.
Here’s a look at where the roster stands:
Returning players
Returners: Jace Posey, Micah Robinson, David Punch, Malick Diallo, RJ Jones, Ashton Simmons
Breakdown: Convincing Posey, Robinson, Punch and Diallo to all stay wasn’t easy, but the Horned Frogs got it done and have a solid core to build around headed into next season. Posey was a breakout star in the latter stretch of the season and was eventually inserted into the starting lineup. He scored 20 points in a win over Arizona State and his motor and defensive versatility really stood out as his minutes increased.
Punch started all season at power forward and has plenty of upside as a two-way forward. Punch (6.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg) has impressive athleticism and showed potential as a rim protector and a rebounder all season. By the end of the year Punch was knocking down long jumpers as his confidence increased.
Robinson was the gem of TCU’s 2024 recruiting class and is one of the highest-ranked players to ever sign with TCU. His minutes fluctuated behind older wings last season, but Robinson has all the tools to be an impact player in 2025-26. Especially considering he’s further ahead as a shooter than anticipated. Diallo was also a pleasant surprise last season as a freshman as he was forced to play before he was really ready after enduring an injury in his senior season of high school.
By the end of the season Diallo had settled in and at times looked like TCU’s best big man over Ernest Udeh. He’s not as athletic as Udeh, but he’s already more advanced as a poster scorer. Jones and Simmons redshirted last season and should provide good depth in the backcourt.
Incoming players
Portal additions: Brock Harding (Iowa), Jayden Pierre (Providence), Tanner Toolson (Utah Valley), Liutauras Lelevicius (Oregon State)
Freshmen: Kayden ‘Bugg’ Edwards (Duncanville), Xavier Edmonds (California)
Breakdown: TCU addressed many of its needs in the portal starting with Harding. Harding was one of the top playmakers in the Big 10 for the Hawkeyes with over five assists per game and he shot nearly 40% from 3. Point guard play has been an issue for TCU the last two seasons, but Harding is a true floor general that could open up TCU’s offense.
A career 36% shooter from 3, Pierre was a solid addition from Providence after he averaged a career-high 12.3 points for the Friars in 2024. The 6-foot-2 guard primarily plays off ball, but he averaged over three assists in back-to-back seasons. Pierre should be an upgrade over Allette, who was productive at times, but struggled with his outside shooting and efficiency.
TCU beat out Iowa to land the services of Toolson, who was an All-WAC selection last season after averaging 13.3 points per game. Toolson has good size at 6’5 and started over 60 games in two seasons with Utah Valley. Toolson should provide a scoring punch off the bench.
Lelevicius committed to TCU days before Toolson and is another skilled shooter. Listed at 6’7, the wing averaged 8.7 points and shot 38% from 3 for the Beavers in his first season of college ball. Lelevicius has international experience and played for the Lithuanian national team on multiple occasions.
Edwards is the gem of TCU’s 2025 recruiting class and one of the highest-rated recruits to sign with TCU, a few spots ahead of Robinson. Edwards is an elite scorer that can score in bunches as he showcased at Duncanville the last few seasons. Edwards can score on or off the ball and the expectation is for him to contribute right away.
Edmonds played at Salt Lake Community College and averaged 14.0 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. He scored 20 or more five times and had five double doubles as well. The 6’8 power forward was rated the No. 2 JUCO player nationally and will need to contribute right away in the frontcourt.
Potential lineups
Starters: Harding, Pierre, Posey, Punch, Diallo
Sixth man: Micah Robinson
Key reserves: Toolson, Lelevicius, Edwards, Edmonds, Jones
Breakdown: With Collins, Allette and Noah Reynolds all departing, it’s a good bet that Harding and Pierre will slide into the two open starting spots at guard. They’re experienced at the power conference level, which is always important to Dixon. The small forward position will likely be a battle between Posey and Robinson. Posey found a niche as a defender and cutter, but Robinson has more upside as a scorer and shooter. Both players should average over 20 minutes a game.
Punch and Diallo are also safe bets to start down low, though maybe Edmonds is able to push Diallo at the center spot. The two big lineup could be especially productive if Punch continues to develop as a shooter.
Figuring out the bench may be the most difficult task for TCU. Toolson and Lelevicius have starting experience in mid-major conferences, but may be better served in smaller roles in the Big 12. Lelevicius can be a shooting specialist off the bench while Toolson can provide a scoring punch along with Edwards. Jones was a big pickup last off-season from Kansas State and figures to get into the mix for playing time, but there’s only so many minutes to go around.
The biggest question mark will be front court depth for the second straight season. Punch and Diallo are quality building blocks while Edmonds should be able to contribute quicker than most high school bigs. But one injury could devastate the unit and force players like Robinson or Lelevicius to play out of position. Landing another big before the portal closes would be huge for TCU’s chances of success.
As things stand now, the Horned Frogs should have a deeper roster that is better at shooting and executing in the half court. Will that be enough to get TCU back to the NCAA Tournament? That remains to be seen.
