2017 ACC Tournament: Unmatched paint production key to Florida State's success

Florida State advanced to the semifinals of the 2017 ACC Tournament due to their size and length up front.

In a quarterfinal matchup at the Barclays Center on Thursday evening, the Florida State Seminoles and the Virginia Tech Hokies played a neck-and-neck first half that resulted in a 2-point lead at the break for the Hokies.

Then Florida State took over the interior.

The Noles had 22 more points in the paint, 11 more second chance points and grabbed 14 more rebounds (including 18 offensive boards). That production helped them build a 15-point lead with 4:01 remaining, and even though Virginia Tech cut the lead down to five with 51.5 seconds left, the result was never in doubt.

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Besides the fact that Florida State almost always has a size advantage no matter who they play, they have one of the most unique front courts in America and guards and wings who are always active on the glass.

First, we’ll start with a front court that consists of Michael Ojo and Jonathan Isaac. Ojo only scored six points and didn’t grab a single rebound against Virginia Tech but he is a massive human being who is physical and powerful. He has a legit chance of breaking a rim at one point in his basketball career — that’s how strong he is. And then there’s Isaac, who is a surefire NBA prospect that can guard numerous positions defensively, has terrific length, can step out and hit threes and also has great athleticism. While he must get stronger, he’s active on the offensive and defensive glass and his motor is always running.

Beyond Ojo and Isaac, Florida State also can bring veterans Phil Cofer and Jarquez Smith, and 7’4″ (yes, 7’4″) Christ Koumadje off the bench.

But that’s not all. While a team like Purdue gets most, if not all, of its interior production from its forwards and centers, Florida State also gets a significant amount of activity from its guards and wings.

Just take Thursday evening for an example, Dwayne Bacon had a rough shooting night but he still attacked the basket and had seven rebounds. Terance Mann is known for his defense, however, his athleticism is his best trait — Mann was huge for FSU on the offensive glass against VT. Even Xavier Rathan-Mayes is a decent rebounder for his size.

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Florida State’s relentlessness in the offensive rebounding department is going to be a huge factor when the NCAA Tournament rolls around. If they can now prove that they can win games outside of Talahaasse, the ‘Noles can become the second-weekend threat they looked like early in ACC play when they crushed Duke and beat Louisville, Virginia, Notre Dame and Virginia Tech.

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2017 ACC Tournament: Unmatched paint production key to Florida State’s success

By Carmine Carcieri | Mar 9, 2017

Florida State advanced to the semifinals of the 2017 ACC Tournament due to their size and length up front.

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