As the 2024–25 college basketball season enters its final stretch, TCU basketball is hitting its stride.
After a challenging start, they’ve rallied to a 15–12 record, including an 8–8 mark in the Big 12 Conference. This resurgence has sparked discussions about their NCAA tournament chances.
Season overview
The Horned Frogs began the season with inconsistent performances, dropping two winnable games against Colorado State and Santa Clara. TCU also battled several injuries at the start of the season, including Frankie Collins’ broken foot that prematurely ended his season.
At the halfway mark, the Horned Frogs had a mid-season record of 10–10.
Since then, TCU has won five of its last seven games including a huge upset win against No. 9 Texas Tech. This win demonstrated their potential to compete with top-tier teams.
Key players
Senior guard Noah Reynolds, a transfer from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, has been instrumental to TCU’s offensive success as the team’s leading scorer. Reynolds scored 16 points, including the final seven, in the 69-66 upset against Texas Tech.
Senior forward Trazarien White transferred from The University of North Carolina Wilmington, where he averaged 19.8 PPG in the 2023-24 season. At TCU, White seems to have regressed against tougher competition. However, White showed his explosiveness and versatility versus Texas Tech, where he scored 16 points while shooting 42.9% from the three-point line. If White can find his groove again, he’ll become a valuable asset for TCU.
Junior center Ernest Udeh Jr. is a crucial piece for TCU, whose value extends beyond just his statistics. Udeh provides elite rim protection, rebounding and efficiency in the paint. Though not a primary scorer, his screens and interior play create opportunities for teammates.
The road ahead
With four games left in the season, TCU still has plenty of work. This Tuesday, TCU travels to West Virginia to take on the Mountaineers. TCU then comes home to face the University of Central Florida and Baylor before traveling to Colorado to end the season.
A loss to UCF or Colorado will put TCU’s tournament goals at risk.
Tournament outlook
If the Horned Frogs continue their current trajectory, it’s certainly possible for them to make a late push. The Horned Frogs can play at the highest level when it matters most, however, the margin for error is slim.
With the Big 12 Tournament approaching, every game becomes even more critical. A strong showing in that tournament would boost their March Madness resume, but anything less than a deep run could leave them on the bubble come Selection Sunday.
