Florida State Basketball: Raiquan Gray a key piece for Seminoles in 2020-21
Raiquan Gray is a likely candidate to have a breakout season in 2020-21 for Florida State Basketball.
Raiquan Gray has improved every year he has been a part of the Florida State Basketball program. It all started with the decision he made to redshirt his freshman season. According to this Seminole Sports Magazine feature, he recognized that he was struggling to adjust to Leonard Hamilton’s system and was determined to make changes.
Former Seminole Forward Phil Cofer recalled Gray coming to practice in a full sweat because he was in the weight room running on a treadmill. As a redshirt sophomore, he averaged six points and nearly four rebounds per game in 29 games with 24 starts. The Seminoles finished the 2019-20 season with a 26-5 (16-4 ACC record). Hamilton won ACC Coach of the Year as a result.
Last season, Gray increased his numbers in these key stat categories: Points (173, six per game) rebounds (111, 3.8 per game), assists (40), and blocks (19). He has the potential to land on one of the All-ACC Teams if he keeps this up.
How has Raiquan Gray made an impact on the Florida State Seminoles?
The 6-8, 260 pounder out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida has made his mark on the defensive end and in transition. He became a shot-blocker which led to transition opportunities taking place. He also has shown good court vision in those situations getting his teammates the basketball for high percentage shots. He has a big body and knows how to use it. When he puts the ball on the floor and drives to the basket, that’s where he takes advantage of the man in front of him.
The ACC was highly competitive last season and the Seminoles won both the ACC regular-season title and their first ACC Championship in school history once it was determined that the 2020 NCAA Tournament was canceled.
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Gray played about 20 minutes per game last season and he has shown the skill set and work ethic necessary to receive more minutes on the floor. He is the leader of the power forward group. The Seminoles will be a tough out once again in the ACC and they will have their size in the frontcourt to thank for it.