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Florida State Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for the Seminoles

By Brian Rauf

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 21: Head coach head coach Leonard Hamilton of the Florida State Seminoles speaks to his team during the first round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Vermont Catamounts at XL Center on March 21, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 21: Head coach head coach Leonard Hamilton of the Florida State Seminoles speaks to his team during the first round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Vermont Catamounts at XL Center on March 21, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 27: M.J. Walker #23 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after making a three pointer against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Watsco Center on January 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 27: M.J. Walker #23 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after making a three pointer against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Watsco Center on January 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Starting lineup

Trent Forrest

Forrest was one of the country’s best perimeter defenders last year and should be again. He ranked in the top 50 in the country in steal rate and managed to find his way to the foul line a good deal, ranking 79th nationally in free throw rate. The 6-4, 210-pounder also showed some improvement as a playmaker, ranking seventh in the ACC in assist rate during conference play.

The Seminoles are going to become even more reliant on the senior’s defense and ability to get into the lane and make good decisions. Can he keep up those numbers as his usage increases?

MJ Walker

Many people are looking to Walker to have a breakout season for this group, and for good reason. The former five-star recruit in the 2017 class is known for his strength and athleticism, but his scoring hasn’t been able to translate other than in short spurts. Once prolific in high school, Walker averaged just 7.5 points per game on 34 percent shooting, including a dismal 32.8 percent from three.

FSU needs a go-to scorer to step up and Walker has the best chance to be that guy – if he becomes more consistent.

Patrick Williams

Williams, a five-star prospect and FSU’s highest-rated incoming freshman, should help out in the scoring department and has the potential to be special. He’s a knockdown shooter at 6-6 and 215 pounds along with being a reliable perimeter defender with noted shot-blocking abilities. That two-way ability has him projected to be a first-round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, according to ESPN.

RaiQuan Gray

Gray mostly had a minor role as a freshman but saw his role increase as the season went on. He was inserted into the starting lineup when Cofer was out during the NCAA Tournament and showed great versatility, racking up 11 points, three rebounds, and five steals against Murray State. He also made three three-pointers in that game, demonstrating his upside as a four man who has the size to do damage inside (6-8, 260 lbs) and outside.

Dominik Olejniczak

A grad transfer from Ole Miss, the seven-footer will give the Seminoles an experienced, reliable player with solid mid-range shooting touch and a knack for protecting the rim. He won’t be anything more than a role player for this team, but he’s someone Hamilton will be able to rely on in a short frontcourt rotation.

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