March Madness 2021: Sleeper teams poised for a potential deep run

Florida State Seminoles

One of the most disrespected teams from the start of this season has been Florida State. They have only three losses on the season, but there was a portion in January where they didn’t have a number in front of their name. Leonard Hamilton has continued to do a fantastic job with the Seminoles. It’s his usual very deep team that is long, lanky, and tough.

FSU beat Indiana and Florida in the non-conference, but their most impressive win of the season came in their last game against Virginia. I think everybody has some type of concern with UVA, but the way the Seminoles dominated them from the get-go should garner some real attention.

Up twenty points at the half, but then winning by 21 after the adjustments and run UVA had was super impressive. You knew Tony Bennett would spark some type of run for the Cavaliers at halftime. Virginia got it as close as seven, but the response by FSU to counter Virginia proves this team is built with toughness.

I can talk about many players on this roster because so many contribute. It’s M.J. Walker’s turn to lead. It feels like he has been in their program forever, but he is doing an exceptional job taking control. He is averaging just under 14 points, but he and Raiquan Gray are the catalysts.

Gray is like Mark Vital of Baylor. He is multifaceted and just makes winning plays. Gray is even doing a better job of scoring the ball, as he is almost doubling his output from last year. Scoring is extra, but he is their most important player for FSU. Last but not least, Scottie Barnes is their most talented player. Barnes is a high recruit and will be a high draft pick, but he has bought in and comes off the bench. That firepower that Leonard Hamilton can turn to illustrates what type of team he has.