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Florida State Basketball: 3 takeaways from season-opener against North Florida

By Tristan Freeman

Jan 15, 2020; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard MJ Walker (23) is introduced before a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2020; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard MJ Walker (23) is introduced before a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports /
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Florida State Basketball Balsa Koprivica (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

2. Balsa Koprivica could be a breakout star

Coach Hamilton has had tremendous success when it comes to the recruiting trail, landing a number of top-50 prospects. One of them was Balsa Koprivica, a 7’1 center recruit that was ranked in the top-50 out of high school. As a freshman, he was limited to just 13 mpg and saw his playing time fluctuate all season.

With Patrick Williams now off to the NBA, there’s a need for a frontcourt player to step up, at least offensively. Raiquan Gray definitely was going to start at power forward but after adding a pair of JUCO centers this offseason, it looked as if there was doubt that Koprivica could live up to his recruiting expectations.

However, the sophomore big man did get the start and rewarded the team for it. He was the only other Florida State player to reach double figures (13) while adding five rebounds and two blocks in just 17 total minutes. Both Tanor Ngom and Quincy Ballard each got minutes off the bench at the center position but it was Koprivica that impressed the most.

The 7’1 center looked aggressive and was a great offensive weapon while being a shot-blocking presence at the defensive end. It’s only North Florida so I have to wait before declaring Koprivica the top frontcourt player on the roster. But if he can consistently be a double-digit contributor inside, it’ll be a massive boost to their offense.

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