NCAA Basketball: 2021-22 keys and storylines for Florida State vs Florida
By Bryan Mauro
Protect the Paint
As always, the Seminoles are one of the tallest teams in the country and they have four players who are at least 7’0” and they are going to block shots and will be there for rebounds as well. They can make driving to the lane very difficult as it always becomes harder with taller players patrolling the paint. As was mentioned the Gators have a talented frontcourt with a 7’0” player of their own. If Florida stays out of foul trouble, then they should be able to hold their own in the paint.
The issue may arise with how Florida State plays offense. They love to use their big men to box out, set picks, and clear the paint for their guards to have open driving lanes to the basket. None of that is going to change now as the Seminoles still have big physical guards that can get into the paint.
This could come down to who protects the paint better and who is able to keep the other off the foul line. Free throw shooting almost always decides a game as does shots that happen inside the protected area of the paint. Which team can minimize those the most is going to be the team that comes out the most successful in this game.
Florida is really going to have their hands full underneath the paint. Malik Osborne is one of the better players in the ACC who doesn’t get nearly the credit he deserves. He has a motor and never stops playing he blocks shots, scores, and rebounds, and gets fouled a ton. In addition to all of that, he plays exceptional defense.
Cam’Ron Fletcher, who is a transfer from Kentucky, can score and defend as well. Everyone that plays Florida State is going to have to contend with those two in addition to the four seven-footers who all play. The Gators may be overwhelmed by Florida State and if they do it could be a really long night.
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Each team is going to be able to shoot the ball just fine from deep, and each team is going to have their stars get their points. It is going to be the intangible things that are mentioned that are going to be the main factors in this game. The Gators and the Seminoles are both likely tournament teams and are both teams who are going to get better as the year goes on. This is going to be a tremendous game and is one of the best early-season games in the college basketball slate.