NCAA Basketball: Top 25 preseason power rankings for 2021-22 season

Four of the top five scorers are gone for the Seminoles, which for most teams would be considered somewhat devastating for next year’s roster. Yet Coach Leonard Hamilton’s squad isn’t worried in the least bit, as they return at least seven rotational pieces for a program that prides itself in depth.

They do have one returning double-digit scorer in wing Anthony Polite, who’ll become one of the go-to contributors this time around. Joining him is Houston transfer Caleb Mills, a combo guard and quality scorer in his own right, whose shooting will be needed for this team. And don’t be surprised if five-star incoming freshman guard Matthew Cleveland has a big impact offensively and even leads Florida State in scoring.

Cleveland is part of a top-15 recruiting class, joined by top-60 point guard Jalen Warley and top-50 big man John Butler Jr. With how the team normally uses its depth, look for each of them to have an impact in the rotation. Another newcomer is Kentucky transfer Cam’Ron Fletcher, who played little as a freshman last season but his defense and athleticism make him a perfect with at FSU.

What the Seminoles also have going for them is plenty of centers with great size. 7’1 center Tanor Ngom is back and brings plenty of physicalities and interior defense, while Naheem McLeod is a whopping 7’3 and comes from Chipola College (JUCO) with some offensive skills, as well as 6’11 big man Quincy Ballard. Teams will have to deal with FSU’s frontcourt all game long and it’ll wear opponents down. They may not want to be in many shootouts but once again, Florida State’s great depth will win them plenty of games.