Big 12 team-by-team preview: Texas, Baylor battle for the top
By Jada Butts
TCU
Projected finish: 9th
Key returners:
Amy Okonkwo 10.2 ppg, 49%, 5.5 rpg, 1 apg, 18 mpg
Jordan Moore 8.6 ppg, 50%, 6.8 rpg, 19 mpg
Kianna Ray 6.7 ppg, 37%, 3.3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 25 mpg
Biggest losses:
AJ Alix 13.1ppg, 39%, 2.6 rpg, 4.6 apg, 30 mpg
Jada Butts 12.2 ppg, 39%, 3.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 30 mpg
Newcomers:
Dakota Vann F, 6-0, Oklahoma City, OK, Junior
Jayde Woods G, 6-0, Yorba Linda, CA, Sophomore
Lauren Heard G, 5-9, Denton, TX, Freshman
Head coach: Raegan Pebley is entering her fourth season leading the purple and white. She found immediate success, earning an automatic berth into the WNIT tournament her first two seasons in Fort Worth. Although Pebley has had talented and experienced players, they have not been able to make it over the hump and into the NCAA tournament thus far. Another year, another opportunity for Raegan Pebley and the Horned Frogs to make a name for themselves.
Key non-conference games:
SMU 11/14
Alabama 12/1
Texas A&M 12/6
Outlook: Having lost their top two players as far as scoring and minutes, the Horned Frogs have some big shoes to fill. The point guard position is where they are lacking the most. Pebley has an elite guard in Amber Ramirez, but her ability to stay healthy and lack of experience solely in the point guard position may take a toll. The dependability of their post players may ultimately decide this team’s destiny.