ACC Basketball: Biggest questions and storylines for NCAA Tournament

ACC Basketball: Biggest questions and storylines for 2019 NCAA Tournament

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 16: Teammates Zion Williamson #1, RJ Barrett #5, and Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils react after defeating the Florida State Seminoles 73-63 in the championship game of the 2019 Men's ACC Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 16, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 15: Teammates Trent Forrest #3 and Mfiondu Kabengele #25 of the Florida State Seminoles react after defeating the Virginia Cavaliers 69-59 in the semifinals of the 2019 Men’s ACC Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 15, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Is Florida State a contender?

We know all about the top three seeds. However, don’t discount the Florida State Seminoles. A No. 4 seed in the West region, the ‘Noles could be looking at a showdown with top-seeded Gonzaga in the Sweet 16. It would be a rematch from last March where the ‘Noles defeated the ‘Zags to advance to the Elite Eight before falling short against Michigan. Interestingly enough, Michigan is the No. 2 seed in the West and could meet either FSU or Gonzaga again with a berth in the Final Four on the line.

FSU is one of the hottest teams in the country. After starting the ACC season at 1-4, Florida State finished with a 13-5 mark in conference play. In the ACC Tournament, the Seminoles defeated No. 1 Virginia after being blown out earlier in the season by the Cavaliers. FSU came up short against Duke in the final.

There are many reasons to buy stock with the Seminoles. Head coach Leonard Hamilton has long been one of the better coaches in all of college basketball and this squad could be his deepest yet. He lacks a superstar, however, the ‘Noles have 11 players who average at least 11 minutes per contest. Their leading scorer is 6’10” Mfiondu Kabengele, who averages 13 points and six rebounds per game. He is a force at both ends of the floor.

Outside of Kabengele, the Seminoles have Terance Mann, Phil Cofer, M.J. Walker and a host of others who can create damage on the offensive end. They are a legit contender to make it to the Final Four.