Russell Barlow, Jr Commits to TCU Hoops

TCU made some noise on the recruiting trail ahead of their trip way down south, earning a commitment from 2018 center Russell Barlow, a three star prospect out of Richardson, Texas. Barlow, who is listed anywhere between 6’7” and 6’10”, is the third commitment in this year’s class, joining point guard Kendric Davis out of Houston and center Angus McWilliam out of New Zealand.

Barlow looks like a Kenrich Williams clone, and is likely to play power forward at the next level (unless that 6’10” thing is real). With a pretty stroke out to 18+ feet and soft hands around the rim, Barlow is a great get for Jamie Dixon and should help fill the void to be left by the graduation of some key players after this season. Barlow can put the ball on the deck and get to the rim, pass well out of a double team, and has great vision. He attacks the glass with a relentless energy on both ends of the floor, and shows good timing when it comes to blocking shots. With the ability to finish in traffic and with either hand, he will be a weapon on offense and defense for a talented TCU team.

Choosing the Frogs over Oklahoma State, Iowa State, LSU, Texas A&M, Missouri, and more, the 220 pounder is a perfect fit alongside excellent passers Jaylen Fisher and Alex Robinson, and provides some protection for Desmond Bane and RJ Nembhard along the perimeter. He can play alongside big men like Kevin Samuel or along smaller forwards like Kouat Noi, and with his rebounding and ability to run the floor, be the big man in smaller lineups.

Expect Barlow’s stock to rise as he enters his senior season - rated a four star by some services, he should have a big year for a very good Berkner High School team that should make a deep post season run.

You can check out some of his highlights below, and welcome Russell to the Frog fam. TCU Basketball heads to Australia this weekend for a five game set Down Under, officially kicking off the most-anticipated hoops season in Funky Town in two decades.