The Florida State Seminoles are turning heads as they look to build on a strong finish to their season and set the stage for a promising future. Under the guidance of head coach Luke Loucks, who took the reins from Leonard Hamilton a year ago, FSU is aiming for a national ranking and a conference title run next season.
After a rocky 1-6 start in ACC play, the Seminoles found their groove, finishing 9-2 in one of the nation's toughest conferences. They nearly knocked out Duke from the ACC Tournament, a testament to their late-season surge. The question now is whether this momentum can carry into the next season.
Key Departures
FSU is bidding farewell to a senior class that reignited basketball excitement on campus. Robert McCray V, who narrowly missed a game-changing three-pointer against Duke, leaves as the team's top scorer with an impressive 16.3 points per game. Alongside him, Chauncey Wiggins and Lajae Jones, the second and third leading scorers, are also departing, leaving Loucks with significant gaps to fill.
Rising Stars for 2026-27
As the Seminoles gear up for the next season, a few players stand out as potential leaders:
- Martin Somerville: After transferring from UMass Lowell, Somerville made an immediate impact, particularly on defense, with a team-high 49 steals. He averaged eight points per game and could be a key player moving forward.
- AJ Swinton: Known for his shooting prowess, Swinton hit 32.8% from beyond the arc before a season-ending ACL injury. If he returns healthy, he could fill the void left by Wiggins.
- Thomas Bassong: As a freshman, Bassong started 17 games, shooting nearly 50% from the field. His defensive capabilities make him a valuable asset for the Seminoles' future.
Players Needing to Step Up
A couple of players are on the hot seat, needing to elevate their performance:
- Cam Miles: With limited minutes last season, Miles averaged 5.4 points per game. With McCray and Jones gone, he has an opportunity to step up, especially by improving his control and defensive impact.
- Alier Maluk: The seven-footer started three games but struggled to find consistency, averaging just 1.6 points and 1.7 rebounds. He's a candidate to make significant strides next season.
Fresh Faces and Future Prospects
FSU is welcoming three four-star recruits, adding more intrigue to their roster. A potential fourth, Martay Barnes, has verbally committed, bringing additional excitement to the program.
Loucks will likely lean on Somerville and Bassong early in the season while the new recruits find their footing. With Swinton, Maluk, and Miles poised to take on larger roles, the Seminoles have a promising blend of experience and fresh talent to watch.
As Florida State basketball looks ahead, the pieces are in place for a thrilling season. Fans should keep their eyes on Tallahassee as the Seminoles aim to capitalize on their momentum and make a significant impact in the ACC and beyond.