When TCU threw its big bash in the Stockyards to celebrate joining the Big XII Conference, the chatter revolved around the powerhouse football teams such as Oklahoma, Kansas State and Texas Tech that would be visiting Fort Worth. Being a basketball junkie, I was excited that Kansas and Texas would be coming to play at Daniel Meyer Coliseum.
TCU has a new men's basketball coach this season with former LSU boss Trent Johnson taking the helm after Jim Christian departed to coach at his wife's alum Ohio University. With a new coach and a Big XII schedule that will bring the opportunity for some national TV exposure, there is renewed hope that the men's hoops program will generate some excitement.
After starting the season 2-0, the Horned Frogs welcomed the SMU Mustangs to Fort Worth. This would normally be an ordinary early season contest between the DFW teams, but on this night, it was a chance to see a living legend with SMU's new head coach Larry Brown sitting courtside. Brown is the only coach to win championships in both the NCAA and NBA.
I have seen Brown multiple times in his NBA visits to play the Dallas Mavericks 30 miles east at American Airlines Center, but we could not pass up the chance to watch his new team in an intimate venue like DMC. There was a definite buzz in the air with an announced crowd of 4,145 on hand. However, the excitement quickly switched to concern when TCU standout forward Amric Fields' right knee buckled and he hit the floor in pain just 12 seconds into the game. He left the court putting no weight on his right leg and would not return to action.
TCU would trail the entire contest before falling 64-61. After being down by as much as 11, the Frogs made a run in the second half and had a last second desperation three pointer by guard Kyan Anderson blocked as the final buzzer sounded.
The Frogs dropped to 2-1 while SMU improved to 2-0. Upcoming home games of note include Texas Tech on Jan. 5, Kansas on Feb. 2, Texas on Feb. 19 and Oklahoma on March 9th. To view the complete TCU men's basketball schedule, visit here.
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