Florida State were probably consistently the best team in the ACC from 2017 through 2021 (Virginia has an argument but I opt for FSU). The bad news is part of that period coincided with Covid which curtailed the Seminoles otherwise excellent chances of winning titles in 2020 and 2021.

While the Seminoles have beaten in-state rival Miami, who is the only school in the country to make the last two Elite 8’s, three times in the last two seasons (each by a single point) otherwise the collapse of the program’s fortunes has been dramatic and stunning. The explanations and theories run deep, but the bottom line is this – FSU has to be better this year, not just showing up for games against Miami, but also for games against weaker non-conference foes and the bottom half of the ACC.

Coach Leonard Hamilton has been a constant winner since the mid-1990’s at Miami- until the last two seasons. But let’s face it, injuries, NCAA suspensions and transfers have done the Noles in. This season FSU will be better, with Jaylen Gainey and Cam’ Ron Fletcher back from injury and Baba Miller getting a full season, the Noles will be strong offensively and deep.

• Last season: 9-23 (7-13 in the ACC)
• Postseason: None
• Last ten full seasons postseason appearances: 4 NCAA, 3 NIT
• 3 Sweet 16’s in the last ten years
• Last NCAA: 2021
• Last league title 2020 (regular season), 2012 (tournament)
• Coach: Leonard Hamilton (404-271 in 21 years at FSU, 601-481 in 35 years overall)

Thoughts:

Primo Spears a transfer from Georgetown is a potential game-changer and he should help replace the departed Caleb Mills who headed to Memphis. Guard Darin Green is back giving the Noles one of the best outside shooters in the ACC. Jalen Warley is back as well. But the loss of leading scorer Matthew Cleveland who transferred to Miami and Mills will most certainly hurt FSU. In addition, it’s anyone’s guess how the team will mesh together.

Bottom line:

The Seminoles will improve this year but will they be back in the NCAA Tournament? It’s doubtful, but a winning season and a return to postseason via the NIT would be enough to keep the always energetic Hamilton going as he approaches his 75th birthday.