3. With another double-digit game, it is time to acknowledge RaiQuan Gray’s status among the top of the league
There is no question that Florida State’s three-man tandem of M.J. Walker, RaiQuan Gray, and Scottie Barnes is among the best in the ACC. The trio, entering the game with Virginia, combined for 35.3 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 9.4 assists, and were the only Seminoles to have recorded over 50 made field goals this season.
There is also no doubt in saying that Walker is the best scorer of the three, while Barnes is the best passer – but what may also be true is RaiQuan Gray‘s status as Florida State’s best all-around player. Entering the game against the Cavaliers, the 6-8 junior was maintaining averages of 11.1 points and a team-best 6.6 boards per game.
On top of that, Gray entered this game having recorded six-straight double-digit games, including career-highs in points (24) and rebounds (12) in the overtime win over Wake Forest just a few days ago. Gray has reached double-doubles in two of Florida State’s last three games, having notched 10 points and 11 rebounds against Miami on January 27th.
Gray showed exactly why he is Florida State’s best all-around player against Virginia, tallying 15 points (5-8 2PT, 1-2 3PT, 2-2 FT) to go with five rebounds, three assists, and two steals – while just committing one turnover and two fouls in 28 minutes of play. Additionally, Gray provided plays and moments that would not show up in the box score – including hustle plays and deflections that would ultimately lead from Virginia possessions to Florida State possessions.
In turn, it’s time to finally acknowledge Gray’s stellar play, and make the claim: he should earn a spot on an All-Conference Team at the end of the season. There may not be a more important glue-guy on Florida State’s roster – on a team that, arguably, now has the biggest stake in winning the ACC’s regular-season crown.
The Seminoles still sit behind the Cavaliers in the ACC standings, now one-and-a-half games back – and their quest to overtake Virginia will continue this weekend, on February 20th, when – barring a COVID-19 cancellation – Florida State hosts the third nationally-ranked ACC squad in the Virginia Tech Hokies.