TCU looks to rebound from a disappointing season that saw its run of three straight NCAA Tournament appearances come to an end.
The Horned Frogs overhauled their roster in the offseason via the transfer portal and will unveil their new-look squad in Monday’s season opener against New Orleans in Fort Worth, Texas.
TCU coach Jamie Dixon spoke at Big 12 media days on the desire to have two point guards on the floor at the same time, something they plan to do with transfers Jayden Pierre (Providence) and Brock Harding (Iowa).
Pierre and Harding have quickly established themselves as leaders on the team.
“It’s not like we brought back a lot of scoring and production, but we brought back experience,” said Dixon, who has six returning players from a squad that went 16-16 last season, 9-11 in the Big 12. “We also had to bring in some guys who had played a lot of minutes and produced.”
Pierre and Harding fit the bill. Pierre started every game last season for the Friars, averaging 12.3 points, 3.2 assists and 34.2 minutes per game. Harding started 24 of 33 games for the Hawkeyes, averaging 8.8 points, 5.3 assists and 24.8 minutes.
For New Orleans, much of the buzz for the program has centered on Percy “Coach P” Miller joining Stacy Hollowell’s staff last February. Miller, best known as rapper Master P, is a New Orleans native who is hoping to help the Privateers bounce back from a 4-27 season.
“I’m here to make sure that these young student-athletes have the opportunities, resources and mentorship to succeed on and off the court,” Miller said at the time of his hiring. “UNO is our culture, our community, our city, our team and our family. It’s time to bring the love and passion back to New Orleans basketball.”
Monday will mark the third meeting between the programs. TCU is 2-0 all-time in the series, winning the last matchup 86-71 on Nov. 20, 2014.
TCU was ranked 10th in the Big 12 preseason poll.
