FSU BASKETBALL
This is a new era in Florida State basketball, as the Seminoles hired Luke Loucks to be their head basketball coach. Loucks played point guard for the program from 2008-2012. As we know, it is difficult to accept change, as longtime coach Leonard Hamilton is no longer in Tallahassee.
This is a situation where Coach Hamilton will always be remembered by the Seminole fan base. Even though he never won a national championship at Florida State. He represented the university to the highest degree.
It is also noted that he gets his players to the league. This is something that recruits will also look at when thinking about choosing Florida State and Luke Loucks. Coach Hamilton set the foundation, and we are forever grateful.
NBA NOLES
Florida State has five former basketball players that are currently in the NBA: Scottie Barnes (Raptors), Jonathan Issac (Magic), Terance Mann (Nets), Devin Vassell (Spurs), and Patrick Williams (Bulls).
I know that Florida State basketball fans will be excited to watch them in action as each of them will be playing in their first games of the 2025-2026 season. In terms of impact from the former Noles, this is a circumstance where I believe forward Scottie Barnes has the biggest impact tonight against the Hawks.
Barnes averaged 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game last season, and is looking to build on that for a Raptors team that finished with a 30-52 record in 2024. It would help if Toronto had a fully healthy forward in Brandon Ingram to take the load off of him.
Nonetheless, I cannot wait to see the former Seminoles in action tonight!
