Florida vs Florida State: 5 key storylines for 2020-21 non-conference matchup

The number of minutes Barnes plays point guard

The Seminoles have issues at point-guard, the issue is that they have too many possible solutions. Unfortunately, none of the possible solutions are actually plausible for the long term. Even worse, these solutions are all Head Coach Leonard Hamilton has.  Currently, the Seminoles have freshman Scottie Barnes and senior RayQuan Evans splitting time at point guard early in the game, and at times will both be on the court.

Barnes averages two turnovers per game and while that is not noteworthy in any respect (except for the near turnover inbounding on the baseline with under seven seconds versus Indiana), it does mirror his play as a point guard, not noteworthy. Barnes’ six assists per game are impressive, but they are not of the dribble-drive-dish variety. His assists come as he attacks the elbow and kicks out to MJ Walker who replaces him.

Both and Barnes and Evans are much more effective playing off the ball and attacking from the wing while leaving the bulk of the scoring to MJ Walker (17 ppg). There is no doubt that the Seminoles are better with Barnes on the court, and there is also no denying that Coach Hamilton has no other option.

What is noteworthy is the poor drive that got blocked with the game tied in overtime with under ten seconds remaining as Barnes attempted to set the last second offense, as opposed to his single-handed effort to get the winning basket in overtime versus Indiana with under two seconds. With several top-100 recruits in the Gator’s backcourt, Barnes will have to prove he can be effective in minutes that are closer to the 29 he played in overtime, than the 24 he averages.