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Florida Basketball: Keys to success against Florida State in 2019-20

By Lukas Harkins

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 14: Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Florida Gators dribbles the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second round of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 14, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 14: Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Florida Gators dribbles the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second round of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 14, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – MARCH 21: Walker/Forest of FSU defend. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – MARCH 21: Walker/Forest of FSU defend. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Opponent Intel: Florida State Seminoles

Perhaps the most underrated program in all of college basketball in recent years, Florida State has been remarkably successful under head coach Leonard Hamilton. The Seminoles have reached the NCAA Tournament in each of the last three seasons as Coach Hamilton is starting to turn the corner with regards to his system implementation and recruiting. FSU compiled a 34-20 record in ACC play over the past three years and it appears as though the program will continue to rise.

As a result of this strong stretch of successes on the court and on the recruiting trail, Coach Hamilton deserves the benefit of the doubt even with a young roster in Tallahassee this season. Following their Sweet 16 run as a No. 4 seed last season, Florida State had to wave goodbye to a ton of talent. With five seniors and a talented sophomore all graduating or heading to the NBA, the Seminoles are left with just two returners who averaged more than five points per game last season.

As a result, it is reasonable to assume that Trent Forrest (9.3 points) and M.J. Walker (7.5 points) will look to lead the way this season. Perhaps even more importantly, though, Devin Vassell looks to be on the verge of a major breakout campaign. A rising 6-foot-6 sophomore, Vassell showed flashes of his potential last season and should play a much bigger role this time around. He scored 14 points in FSU’s season-opening loss while dealing with foul trouble.

With regards to newcomers joining the program to offset the major departures, Coach Hamilton brought in the No. 19 overall recruiting class in the nation. Five-star forward Patrick Williams is the clear top talent from that group and it appears as though he will be a top reserve for the team this season at the very least. Fellow top-100 freshman Balsa Koprivica is also worth mentioning even though he managed to foul out in just six minutes of action against Pittsburgh.

With regard to Florida State’s playing style, don’t expect any drastic changes in Coach Hamilton’s scheme despite massive personnel changes. The roster is still long, athletic, and oozing with potential. The Seminoles should once again be one of the best defensive units in the country this season and it is reasonable to think the team will get back to playing up-tempo basketball after slowing things down last year. Watch for FSU to actively force turnovers and aggressively attack the glass.

Now, without any further introduction or background, let’s dive into some potential keys to success for the Florida Gators to defend their home court and come away victorious.

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