Photo From: HoopSeen, Endless Motor Sports, and Click2Houston
Ahhh, a little over two weeks since Florida State had a tough 76-58 loss against Michigan in the Sweet 16, and I have to say, I already miss Seminole basketball. I miss seeing RaiQuan Gray body through the offense, Anthony Polite lockdown on defense, and the energy in The Tuck. But this period has given me time to reflect on what happened this season, and what our future can hold. Obviously losing sucks, especially losing the way we did, because now that's how people remember FSU basketball, from that one loss that can diminish every positive thing they have done this season. That game we had too many turnovers, poor ball movement, inconsistent shooting, and got into early foul trouble. But that shouldn't reflect on all their accomplishments, they had one hell of a season. This season was far normal from any, for starters, the Tuck was not Packed, and if you are an FSU student, you know there is nothing better than over 12,000 FSU fans doing the war chant. The main problem I saw with FSU this season, which I have mentioned in a previous article, is our consistency. We had multiple stretches where it seemed like no one could stop us, victory after victory against top-tier teams such as UVA, but we also had those stretches where even though we were winning games we looked all sorts of out of sync.
Photo From: College Football News
We had a lot of adjustments to make this season, especially after losing leader Trent Forest, along with Devin Vessel and Patrick Williams as NBA Draft lottery Selections. But even with all that has left, the Florida State Seminoles continued to create, but while trying to wrap up the regular season and March Madness at the top, they were unfortunately outplayed. This was expected, they looked good on paper, they were expected to make the noise they have, and they will have those expectations as we go into the 2021-2022 season. Although we are losing key components such as Scottie Barnes, MJ Walker, and RaiQuan Gray we have a lot of opportunities to fill what we have lost with our incoming Seminoles, and those we already have. Sardaar Calhoun also entered his name in the 2021 Draft, but still has the option to come back as his eligibility remains. He can potentially play a way bigger part if decided to come back, as his role will grow in his second season with the Seminoles.
Photo From: WCTV
Sophomore center Balsa Koprivica does have a big decision to make. Will he stay? Will he leave? Koprivica took his game to the next level this past season with the Seminoles. After moving to the starting lineup, he averaged 9.1 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game, and 1.4 blocks per game. He could decide to take his talent to the next level, but I do believe he still has a lot to prove, but I really hope we will see him back as a Seminole next season.
We will be seeing multiple familiar faces such as Senior Guard RayQuan Evans, Junior Guard Anthony Polite, and Junior Forward Malik Osborne will likely fill that leadership position as they are accompanied by sharpshooter Wyatt Wilkes and big Tanor Ngom who will likely use his extra year.
Photo From: Tomahawk Nation
Although we are seeing some depart, we are seeing some stars come in. Houston Transfer Caleb Mills should immediately create a positive impact as he has an amazing ability to set up his teammates and create plays. He averaged 12.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1 assist during his time with Houston. We also have one of the best incoming signing classes, considered 2nd best in the country, leading the ACC. Five-star wing Matthew Cleveland leads our incoming class, as he was ranked No.30 in ESPN Top 100, and the No.6 small forward in the 2021 class. He is followed by five-star point guard Jalen Warley No.46 in ESPN Top 100 as well as a No.3 combo guard in the 2021 class. I am so incredibly excited to see these two freshmen take on college ball. We then signed four-star center John Butler who can jump leaps here at Florida State as Head Coach Leonard Hamilton continues to do what he does best, and develop him into the player he has the potential to be. Butler was a No.9 center in the 2021 class. Along with those top additions, we have a three-star JUCO addition center Naheem McLeod, who was a No. 3 center in the 2021 class for JUCO, and a No.6 overall player for JUCO.
Photo From: Florida State University News
So yes, even though this season may have not ended the way we wanted, think forward, think about what the future of Seminole Basketball holds. With these new editions, can a National Championship be in our near future?
