Nicholas Girimonte

Fort Worth

Writer for Killer Frogs at Sports Illustrated

2023 Rangers College Brand Ambassador at MLB

College basketball writer for TCU Horned Frogs on SI

Articles

The Core Four: Why TCU’s Returning Players Chose Continuity Over Change

1 week ago | si.com | Nicholas Girimonte

In today’s college basketball landscape, loyalty is becoming a lost art. With the transfer portal wide open and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals adding new layers of temptation, players are constantly on the move. Programs across the country scramble to rebuild rosters annually. Coaches often push out players who no longer fit their systems or their budgets. Continuity is rare. Chemistry is fleeting. However, at TCU, something unusual is taking shape.
Desmond Bane Traded From Grizzlies to Magic

1 week ago | si.com | Nicholas Girimonte

The Memphis Grizzles traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round draft picks, and a first-round pick swap, Shams Charania of ESPN reported Sunday. The Magic are making a big move to become contenders in the Eastern Conference, adding Bane to their young core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. It shows they’re serious about winning now.
2025-26 Big 12 Men's Basketball Power Rankings

2 weeks ago | si.com | Nicholas Girimonte

The “Way-Too-Early” label no longer applies — rosters are starting to take shape, and we now have a clearer picture of what to expect for the upcoming season. With that in mind, here are my Big 12 men’s basketball power rankings for the 2025–26 season. Mar 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp (21) reacts with guard Milos Uzan (7) in the first half during a Midwest Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Jamie Dixon Named To Southwest Conference Hall of Fame

1 month ago | si.com | Nicholas Girimonte

Jamie Dixon was named to the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame Thursday. The Texas Sports Hall of Fame voted the TCU men's basketball head coach in as the only representative in the 2025 SWC Class from TCU. More than being a head coach for the past nine seasons, Dixon played for TCU from 1983-87. As a 6-foot-4 guard, the California native led the Horned Frogs to Southwest Conference titles as a junior and senior, earning All-SWC honors in 1987.
Hailey Van Lith Appears in 2025 SI Swimsuit Issue

1 month ago | si.com | Nicholas Girimonte

Hailey Van Lith appeared in the 2025 SI Swimuit Issue released this week. The current Chicago Sky guard was one of three new Big 12 athletes featured in the issue. HVL joined UCF track star Rayniah Jones and Colorado soccer player Phoenix Dawn Miranda as the new Big 12 players featured. The former TCU guard made her SI Swimsuit debut in 2025 as its April digital cover star.
Former TCU Center Sedona Prince to Play in Lebanon

1 month ago | si.com | Nicholas Girimonte

Former TCU center Sedona Prince will continue her playing career in Lebanon. The 6-foot-7 center has signed with Al Riyadi of the Lebanese Basketball League. After averaging 17.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks last season earning All-Big 12 First Team and Defensive Team Honors, the 24 year-old went undrafted in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Even after being ranked the number eight overall prospect by ESPN in the draft, Prince's off-the-court issues ikely resulted in her not getting picked.
TCU Men's Basketball Lands FIU Transfer Vianney Salatchoum

1 month ago | si.com | Nicholas Girimonte

TCU landed their fifth portal commitment Wednesday. Vianney Salatchoum transferred to the Frogs after one seasoon with Florida International. Salatchoum is a 6-foot-11 center that started 28 of 30 games played last season. The Cameroon native averaged 10.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks. Before playing at FIU, Salatchoum spent his first two seasons playing for Panola College, a community college in Carthage, Texas.
TCU Women's Basketball Lands San Diego State Guard Sheffey

2 months ago | si.com | Nicholas Girimonte

TCU women's basketball added another transfer out of the portal Monday. Veronica Sheffey comes to the Frogs after starting all 35 games played for San Diego State last season. Follow KillerFrogs on X to stay up to date on all the latest TCU news! Follow KillerFrogs on Facebook and Instagram as well. The 5-foot-9 guard averaged 11.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals last season. Sheffery previously played her first two seasons at the University of San Diego.
NEWS: TCU Lands Utah Valley Transfer Tanner Toolson

2 months ago | si.com | Nicholas Girimonte

TCU landed their fourth portal commitment Sunday. Tanner Toolson transferred to the Frogs after two seasons with Utah Valley. Toolson is a 6-foot-5, 200 pound guard that started 65 of 66 games played over the last two seasons. The Vancouver, WA native averaged 13.3 points and 4.0 rebounds earning All-WAC Honors last season. Before transferring to Utah Valley, Toolson spent his redshirt freshman season with BYU and only played in six games.
NEWS: TCU Lands Oregon State Transfer

2 months ago | si.com | Nicholas Girimonte

TCU landed their third portal commitment Friday. Liutauras Lelevicius transferred to the Frogs after one season with Oregon State. Lelevicius is a 6-foot-7, 198 pound wing that averaged 8.7 points and 4.0 rebounds in 33 games played (24 starts) with Oregon State last season. The Lithuanian native shot 48% FG, 38% 3FG and 85% FT. Prior to playing college basketball, Lelevicius played professionally for Lietkabelis in the Lithuanian league.