March Madness has arrived, and it's the time of year when sports fans are glued to their screens, chasing the elusive perfect bracket. The NCAA Tournament is a whirlwind of surprises, and this year is no different.
Florida State fans might feel a twinge of disappointment as their team isn't part of the Dance. With the departure of legendary coach Leonard Hamilton and the arrival of first-year head coach Luke Loucks, expectations were tempered.
Despite not accepting any postseason invitations, the Seminoles showed significant improvement, rallying from an 0-5 start in conference play to finish strong. Coach Loucks and his squad deserve a nod for their resilience.
While current Florida State players are often in the spotlight, let's not forget about the former Seminoles making waves elsewhere.
Cam'ron Fletcher and Malique Ewin, both former Florida State standouts, are turning heads in the NCAA Tournament. Fletcher, now with No. 12 seed High Point, was instrumental in their shocking upset over No. 5 seed Wisconsin. Coming off the bench, Fletcher posted an impressive 14 points, 11 rebounds, and one assist, showcasing his growth and determination after stints with multiple programs.
Meanwhile, Malique Ewin played a pivotal role in No. 4 seed Arkansas' victory over No. 13 seed Hawaii. While Darius Acuff Jr. might be the name on everyone's lips, Ewin's performance was crucial. He tallied 16 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, reminding everyone of his talent that once had Florida State fans wishing he stayed in Tallahassee.
It's heartening to see these former Seminoles thrive on such a big stage. Their performances not only highlight their individual talents but also reflect the strong foundation they built during their time at Florida State.