TCU Men’s Basketball lands Western Carolina transfer Xavier Cork

The TCU men’s basketball program continued its offseason roster overhaul on Saturday, adding Western Carolina transfer Xavier Cork less than 24 hours after three Horned Frogs including Taryn Todd, Dylan Arnette and Owen Aschieris entered the transfer portal.

A 6-foot-9 forward, Cork averaged 12.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game for the Catamounts during the 2020-21 season. The sophomore forward shot 64.1 percent from the field and also averaged 1.4 blocks per game. Roughly 75 percent of Cork’s shot attempts came near the basket, meaning he’ll likely be used as a low-post scorer and rim protector.

Cork will likely earn the minutes vacated from Jaedon LeDee, one of seven TCU players who have left the program this offseason and the only power forward to depart. Other Horned Frogs who entered the portal include Diante Smith, Mickey Pearson and Kevin Easley.

Cork started his sophomore season strong, reacing double figures in scoring over WCU’s first 14 games. He also recorded five double-doubles for the Catamounts this year. Should Cork be eligible immediately, he’d provide a secondary interior scoring and defensive option next to center Kevin Samuel. Cork could also play center if TCU elects to go small.