1) This team is fun.
I have seen this team twice in person and these guys definitely have a good time when they play basketball. The team has great chemistry on and off the floor and so far this season, this team seems to have them beat in that department. In my opinion, the freshmen have been a big part of the on court chemistry as I believe they bring just the right amount of Jameis Winston-esque goofiness and skill to an experienced team. They haven't faced any adversity yet but the 'Noles look like they will be having fun all year long. This team seems to have a great feel for where everyone is at on the court and seemed to cut without the ball as good as any Leonard Hamilton team. For the common fan, more chemistry usually means more alley-oops.
2) XRM understands his role.
The growth of XRM as a point guard has been beautiful thus far and it can be seen in the game's stat line. 12 assists and 2 turnovers. One of the turnovers was late in the second half where Rathan-Mayes tried to make a fancy pass instead of the right pass, something that wasn't uncommon in his freshman year. All in all, the Canadian product controlled the tempo of the game and made sure his teammates got the ball when and where they wanted it. XRM will still breakout in point flurries similar to last year, but it looks like he will be much more efficient this year. Overall, he is just letting the game come to him and is not forcing as much as he was last year, a lot of that has to do with the increased talent around him. Hopefully Rathan-Mayes will let the game come to him more and more as the season progresses. If that happens - watch out America.
3) Big men took advantage of the mismatch.
Southeastern's tallest player was 6'9, but it was a pleasure to see Boris (12 pts on 5-6 shooting) and Jarquez (14 pts on 7-8 shooting) set the tone early on in the post. Both players made some really nice post moves, especially Jarquez with two beautiful fade away jumpers. They both had their hook shots working and if they can keep up their strong play, Florida State could be scary good on offense. It was awesome to see the Florida State guards continually feed the post and take care of the mismatch in the first half as it opened things up for the guards to attack the basket. We do not suddenly have the best post players in the nation, but we have potentially two guys who can score down low if need be which is not always common for a Leonard Hamilton team.
4) Malik Beasley can really stroke it.
Coming out of high school, we all knew Malik Beasley was an athletic specimen and everything I read said his jumper had potential but needed to be refined. Well whatever Beasley did in the off-season has turned him into possibly our second best shooter from behind the arc. The Atlanta, Georgia native led the 'Noles in scoring with 23 points on 2 of 7 shooting from downtown. Now that does not look good statistically, but if you were there in person all but maybe one of his three pointers looked good off his hand (including two that rimmed in and out). Beasley also had a beautiful pump fake, one dribble pull up that was a thing of beauty in the second half. Defensively, the kid is already a menace in the passing lanes. He is much more than just athlete and that should have Florida State fans excited because Malik Beasley is a damn good basketball player, who will grow into a star right before our eyes.
5) Devon Bookert loves the freshmen.
Through two games, the Alaska native has looked like a different player. He has more bounce than last year and I attribute it all to the freshman as their arrival means he does not have to play 35+ minutes a game. Bookert may be the biggest beneficiary of the improved depth at guard. Soon teams may be forgetting about the career 43.3 % three point shooter and that is due to the freshmen and the improved XRM. The senior will actually have his legs underneath him come February, as well as more space to shoot. Not to mention, his calm presence will be needed with this young, talented team. From the past two games, it looks like Devon Bookert will be having quite the senior season.
Here at Renegade Sports we thought Dwayne Bacon or Malik Beasley would have been our favorite freshman. Turns out we were wrong, Terrance Mann has won over our hearts and has claimed the prestigious favorite freshman award. I am not sure if I like his enthusiasm for the game or just his overall fell for the game more. Mann looks like he will be stuffing the stat sheet all year long for the Noles as he had 10 points, five rebounds, and 4 assists on Monday. He had the assist of the night when he drove baseline and passed behind his defenders back to a cutting Phil Cofer, who surprisingly laid it up (if Phil had the fro he would've definitely dunked it). The least heralded freshman looks like he may be the most valuable one as the season progresses.
7) Bacon is good.
I have never seen a player at FSU come in and look so smooth for a 6'7" freshman as Dwayne Bacon. The kid is a stud. His high school scouting report says that he can score from all three levels and after watching him play tonight that is definitely true. His ability to attack the basket is impressive as he seems to glide through the lane. Look for Bacon to lead the team in free throw attempts. His jump shot is much prettier than I expected and that is a great sign considering how abysmal we were from three last year. Bacon has the potential to be a one and done, so Florida State faithful had better enjoy him while you can. If anyone knows where to find a high quality Bacon costume please let me know.
8) Montay Brandon has not played yet...
This is scary. We already look like a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and Montay Brandon has not even played a game yet. Is Brandon an All-American? No, but he is an under appreciated player (I am one who under appreciates him), who will be playing the 4 at times in order to get our best players on the court. He is also our most experienced player and experience is something you cannot teach. Not to mention, Brandon is an elite defender and a great rebounder (5.5 RPG in 2014-2015) that will help do all the little things to win a ball game. Basically what I'm saying is FSU has looked good even without a key piece.
Man I am excited for this season and you should be too. Granted, we have played two out-manned opponents, but the potential has flashed and there has never been a team this talented during the Hamilton Era. There are still areas to work for Florida State like from the charity strike in two games (60% in game 1 and 57.9% in game 2), this will have to improve as our guards will be in attack mode a majority of the year and with the rule changes, the Seminoles could be at the line a lot this season. Rebounding must improve as well, the 'Noles were out rebounded 36-34 by Southeastern which is not a good sign. Getting Michael Ojo and Montay Brandon back should help in the rebounding department, but with Hamilton looking to go small at times the Seminole guards will have to be more aggressive attacking the boards. They certainly have the athleticism to do so. The real season starts Sunday at 3 PM against Nicholls State, come out and support the Seminoles and you will not be disappointed.
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