TCU Basketball releases 2022-23 non-conference schedule

TCU Men’s Hoops released its updated non-conference schedule for the 2022-23 season. The Horned Frogs are officially slated to play 12 non-conference games at the moment, in addition to their 18-game Big 12 slate. Check out below who they’ll face outside the Big 12 this coming season:

(Games at home unless otherwise specified).

Nov. 7: Arkansas Pine-Bluff

Nov. 11: Lamar

Nov. 14: Northwestern State

Nov. 17: Louisiana Monroe

Nov. 25: California (Emerald Coast Classic | Niceville, FL)

Nov. 26: Clemson OR Iowa (Emerald Coast Classic | Niceville, FL)

Nov. 30: Providence (Big 12/Big East Challenge)

Dec. 6: Jackson State

Dec. 18: Mississippi Valley State

Dec. 21: Utah (Salt Lake City, UT)

Dec. 28: Central Arkansas

Jan. 28: @ Mississippi State

So there you have it. Still technically room for one more non-conference game for TCU to get to 31 total, but as it currently sits, this is the set schedule.

More on TCU schedule

The Horned Frogs face a slew of mid-major opponents at home to open the yeas, as do most power conference teams. And, frankly, none of the ones TCU faces are remotely decent. Anything less than a 4-0 start would be a catastrophe given the program’s expectations after making the second round of the NCAA Tournament and returning star guard Mike Miles.

Thanksgiving weekend is where the real fun begins. TCU heads to the Emerald Coast Classic in Niceville, FL, where they’ll face the California Golden Bears to kick off the two-day event. Even though the Bears are a power conference opponent, they’re one of the least successful programs among the top conferences. Again, should be an easy win.

Then it’s the winner (or loser if TCU falls to Cal) of Clemson vs. Iowa. The Hawkeyes would obviously be the more fun opponent given their high-octane offense. While Clemson is a defense-first (and if you’ve watched much of their offense, perhaps defense-only) program. Either team would present an opportunity for a likely Quad 1 or Quad 2 win, though.

After that, TCU treks across the country for a bout with Utah in Salt Lake City. Coach Craig Smith starts his second season with the Utes in 2022, and while he may have a bright future up there, Jamie Dixon’s group should have the upper hand.

The final and possibly most notable non-conference game is against Mississippi State in Starkville. The Bulldogs welcomed former New Mexico coach Chris Jans this offseason and usually boast plenty of athleticism throughout the roster. That one could be dangerous snuck in there during the Big 12 slate.

And that Big 12 slate will be announced sometime soon. Of course, TCU will face the other nine conference programs twice each, once at home and on the road, to round out their full schedule.