Florida State Seminoles
ACC (20-11, 13, 2)
Florida State has struggled during their last two NCAA Tournament appearances. As a three seed in both 2017 and 2012, the Seminoles were upset after just one win. This group has not been as good and consistent during the regular season, but Coach Leonard Hamilton and company will look to break that trend and reach the Sweet Sixteen and beyond.
Big Wins: 1/3 North Carolina (81-80), 1/27 Miami (103-94), 2/14 Clemson (81-79)
Bad Losses: 12/16 vs Oklahoma state (70-71), 1/15 at Boston College (75-81), 1/31 at Wake Forest (72-76)
Coach: Leonard Hamilton
Why They Can Surprise:
As usual, Florida State does not lack in size. Christ Koumadje is a 7-4 center who is a massive presence on both ends of the floor. He is not a great scorer, averaging 7.4 points per game, but he is a decent rebounder and shot blocker. When Koumadje needs a break, freshman Ike Obiagu is ready to come in and make an impact on the defensive end. The seven-footer lacks an offensive game at this point in his career, but he can at least block some shots and play solid defense. Mfiondu Kabengele has had a productive freshman season as well, averaging 7.1 points and 4.5 rebounds. Phil Cofer has been the most pleasant surprise on the team this year. The 6-8 forward has really stepped up during his senior season, boosting his scoring from 2.9 points per game last year to 13.1 points per game in 2017-2018.
Why They Can Disappoint:
With a lack of scoring prowess in the paint, FSU has to depend on their bevy of scorers on the perimeter. Terance Mann, a 6-6 junior, leads the team with 13.2 points per game. Braian Angola is another big guard who score by attacking the basket. Angola is also the team’s most prolific outside shooter and that is where this team can run into problems. This is not a consistent outside shooting team. It will be important for Angola or CJ or M.J. Walker to knock down some three-pointers in order to stretch out the defense and open up some space for Florida State to attack the basket effectively.
Probable Starters:
CJ Walker, Sophomore, Guard, 8.5 ppg, 2.6 apg
PJ Savoy, Junior, Guard, 6.1 ppg
Terance Mann, Junior, Guard, 13.2 ppg, 2.6 apg, 5.7 rpg
Phil Cofer, Senior, Forward, 13.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg
Christ Koumadje, Junior, Center, 7.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Key Role Players:
M.J. Walker, Freshman, Guard, 7.6 ppg, 1 asp
Braian Angola, Senior, Guard, 12.9 ppg, 2.9 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.6 spg
Mfiondu Kabengele, Freshman, Forward, 7.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg
Trent Forrest, Sophomore, Guard, 7.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.4 spg
Ike Obiagu, Freshman, Center, 2.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.2 bpg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 82.0 (30th in nation, 3rd in conference)
Scoring Defense: 74.2 (231, 14)
Field-Goal Percentage: 47.5 (47, 3)
Field-Goal Defense: 41.8 (55, 6)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 8.0 (135, 8)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 35.0 (171, 12)
Free-Throw Percentage: 68.8 (269, 14)
Rebound Margin: 3.3 (68, 4)
Assists Per Game: 15.3 (73, 5)
Turnovers Per Game: 13.0 (176, 13)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
2017 NCAA Round of 64 win over Florida Gulf Coast
2017 NCAA Round of 32 loss to Xavier
2016 NIT First Round win over Davidson
2016 NIT Second Round loss to Valparaiso
2014 NIT First Round win over Florida Gulf Coast
2014 NIT Second Round win over Georgetown
2014 NIT Regional Semifinal win over Louisiana Tech
2014 NIT National Semifinal loss to Minnesota
2013 NIT First Round loss to Louisiana Tech
2012 NCAA Round of 64 win over St. Bonaventure
2012 NCAA Round of 32 loss to Cincinnati
2011 NCAA Round of 64 win over Texas A&M
2011 NCAA Round of 32 win over Notre Dame
2011 NCAA Regional Semifinal loss to VCU
2010 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Gonzaga
2009 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Wisconsin
2008 NIT First Round loss to Akron
2007 NIT First Round win over Toledo
2007 NIT Second Round win over Michigan
2007 NIT Quarterfinal loss to Mississippi State
*all team stats through 3/4
