TCU knows score on its basketball season, but some optimism remains
No one on the TCU basketball team is kidding himself, least of all point guard Chauncey Collins.
It’s been a rough season, and it may not get much better.
“I know the facts. We’re young,” he said.
But as the Horned Frogs get ready for a game at Iowa State (18-8, 7-6 Big 12) on Saturday, a stubborn bit of optimism remains in the sophomore.
“I see what we have. I’m not trying to look past tomorrow or look past the next day,” Collins said after a 63-49 home loss to Kansas State this week. “Right now, losing is tough.”
His voice softened.
“But I see nothing but brightness from us.”
That might be a ways down the road, however. The Frogs (11-15, 2-11) have shown few signs this season of putting together enough offense, or anything else, to compete in the Big 12. They rank last in the league in scoring, shooting percentage, free-throw percentage, rebounding, assist-to-turnover ratio and 3-pointers.
Malique Trent’s 1.8 steals a game, Vladimir Brodziansky’s 1.0 blocks and Collins’ 3-point numbers are the only individual stats that register in the top 10 in the league for TCU.
It’s reality. But it’s still hard to believe.
“I play with these guys every day,” Collins said. “I know what they’re capable of. I’ve seen them play hard, go after it. I know when they’re going after it. Everyone knows when we’re each competing, going after it. Somewhat, I believe the league is tough, which it is. But in the same sense, I don’t believe we should be 2-11, last team in the conference.”
I play with these guys every day. I know what they’re capable of. … I don’t believe we should be 2-11, last team in the conference.
TCU guard Chauncey Collins
TCU coach Trent Johnson doesn’t kid himself or his players, either. He remains clear about what has to happen next.
“I don’t like to use the word frustration as it relates to me,” he said. “I understand why we’re where we are. I really do. The onus is on me to get this thing right. We’ve got to grow up, and we’ve got to toughen up. I know you guys are tired of hearing that, but this is a very unforgiving level of play in this league. So we’ve got to practice, get on the road to Iowa State, go to Texas Tech. We’ve got a couple more at home.
“We’ve got to figure out a way to end on a positive note.”
Carlos Mendez: 817-390-7760, @calexmendez
TCU at No. 13 Iowa State
6:30 p.m. Saturday, ESPNU
This story was originally published February 19, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "TCU knows score on its basketball season, but some optimism remains."