TCU Men's Basketball: 7 Takeaways From Exhibition Win Over Texas Wesleyan

TCU men's basketball defeated Texas Wesleyan 98-61. Here are some takeaways from the win.

TCU men's basketball looked dangerous in their 37-point win over Texas Wesleyan Monday. The Horned Frogs shot 55.2% from the floor and outscored the Rams by 24 in the second half on their way to victory.

Standout players include:

- Emanuel Miller: 24 points and five assists on 11-12 FG in 22 minutes

- Jameer Nelson Jr.: 12 points, five assists and four rebounds on 5-7 FG

- Micah Peavy: 13 points and four rebounds on 3-4 3P

Here are seven takeaways I took from the game:

1. Emanuel Miller Is a Top Player in The Country

Emanuel Miller balled. After making his first ten field goals, Miller finished with 24 points and five assists in only 22 minutes. He wasted no time cementing himself as the first option in this offense and backing up his First Team All Big-12 Selection. If he continues producing like this, the sky's the limit.

2. Jameer Nelson Jr. Is the Clear Second Option

Jameer Nelson Jr. will be a primary ball handler in the upcoming season for TCU Men's Basketball :: Brian McLean, On Assignment Photo/KillerFrogs

Jameer Nelson Jr. lived up to expectations as one of the top transfers in the country. As the clear go-to ball handler in the starting unit, Nelson had 12 points on 5-7 shooting while adding five assists and five steals. He even led the Frogs with a plus/minus of 40. The next closest was Emanuel Miller at 39. This could be a special duo to watch this season.

3. Avery Anderson III and Jameer Nelson Jr. Are the Two Ball Handlers in the Offense

With the surplus of guards, Jamie Dixon added, it was unsure who would fill the point guard role after the departures of Mike Miles Jr. and Damion Baugh. Either Nelson Jr. or Avery Anderson III seemed to always be on the floor to be the primary ball handler and run the point to which both succeeded. It will be interesting to see whether Anderson III enters the starting lineup or not.

4. The Center Depth Chart Is One to Watch

It was apparent that the rotation of the big men was uncertain with how often they were being subbed on and off the court. Ernest Udeh Jr. showed flashes of excellence and elite athleticism in the starting lineup and seemed to be separating himself from the rest, while Xavier Cork and Essam Mostafa came off the bench. Right now, the race seems pretty even between Cork and Mostafa for the backup center position and will be one to monitor as the nonconference begins.

5. Micah Peavy Is A Shooter

After shooting just 26.7% from three last season, Micah Peavy looked to have extremely improved this part of his game drilling 3 of 4 from downtown. He looked much more confident and smooth in his form and would be a huge boost for the Frogs if he can be consistent. Look for Peavy to be a good candidate to move into the starting rotation as the season begins.

6. Free Throws Could Still Be an Issue

Last season, the Frogs shot just 69.9% from the free-throw line, finishing third to last in the Big 12. This was still an issue in the exhibition as the Frogs shot 54.5% on 18-33. They will have to improve on this aspect of their game to win the close ones when it matters.

7. The Starting Lineup Is Still in Question

Coach Dixon rolled out a starting five of Jameer Nelson Jr., Trey Tennyson, JaKobe Coles, Emanuel Miller, and Ernest Udeh Jr. However, Dixon said in his presser postgame that this is still up in the air as he works players back from injury. Players returning from missing practice time include Micah Peavy, Avery Anderson III, and Chuck O'Bannon. This is something interesting to watch as TCU prepares for the season.

All around, this exhibition was a huge positive for the Frogs as their last tune-up before the season. They showed they could do some real damage in the Big 12 this year.

Game 1 is at 8 p.m. next Monday night in Schollmaier Arena against Southern University. Be there.

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