Desmond Bane Joins TCU Staff as Chief Basketball Officer, Magic Star Had Jersey Retired by Program

Desmond Bane is returning to his alma mater in a special role.

TCU announced Monday the Orlando Magic guard is joining the men's basketball staff as its chief basketball officer. 

According to the announcement, "Bane will volunteer his time as special advisor to [Jamie] Dixon and the Horned Frogs program, bringing high-level insight and professional basketball experience to player development, leadership and life as an elite athlete. He will be a mentor to student-athletes, offer guidance on career management and serve as a liaison to the NBA."

Bane played four seasons for the Horned Frogs from 2016 through 2020 and is the program's all-time leader in games played (141), three-pointers (29) and wins (84). He is also third all-time in points (1,784) and had his No. 1 jersey retired in February 2025.

"I am excited and honored for the opportunity to serve as TCU's Chief Basketball Officer," Bane said. "My time as a student-athlete at TCU was truly special, and it is a privilege to now continue my connection with the program in this new role.

"I am grateful to Coach Dixon for the opportunity to build a closer relationship with the program and make a meaningful impact on the lives and development of our student-athletes. I look forward to helping build upon the success and culture that Coach Dixon has established within TCU Basketball."

Bane was a two-time All-Big 12 selection during his collegiate career and helped lead TCU to the NCAA tournament during the 2017-18 campaign.

It was the program's first appearance in the Big Dance since the 1997-98 season.

He showed enough to be a first-round pick in the 2020 NBA draft and has averaged 18.3 points per game in six seasons for the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic. He has also connected on 40.7 percent of his three-point attempts.

While he won't be able to provide that outside shooting on the court any longer for the Horned Frogs, he can help the current players with their own three-point shooting and bolster a program that is in an even better position than he left it.

TCU has made four of the last five NCAA men's tournaments and now has a notable NBA playmaker helping build on that momentum.