Florida State basketball Faces Roster Overhaul as Transfer portal Opens
Florida State’s men’s basketball team is bracing for significant roster changes as the transfer portal officially opened March 24. With the arrival of new head coach Luke Loucks, replacing the program’s legendary Leonard hamilton, a wave of departures is anticipated, alongside strategic recruitment from the portal.
Seminoles See Key Players Enter Transfer Portal
Several Seminoles have already announced thier departure, seeking new opportunities elsewhere:
- Chandler Jackson (Guard): The junior guard, a three-year player for FSU, averaged 6.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, adn 2.0 assists this season.
- Taylor Bol Bowen (Forward): The sophomore forward and former four-star recruit, who played 28 games, put up 8.0 points,5.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks and steals per game while shooting 47.7% from the floor.
- Waka Mbatch (Forward): The reserve sophomore from Gambia played sparingly in his two seasons.
- Anastasios Rozakeas (Wing): the reserve freshman wing from Athens, Greece, saw action in 13 games.
- Justin Thomas (Wing): the graduate transfer wing is looking for his sixth college with his final year of remaining eligibility, after totaling 33 steals.
FSU Targets Transfer Portal to Boost Roster
Florida State is actively looking to bolster its roster through the transfer portal, having contacted several players including:
- Jacari White (Guard, North Dakota State): Averaged 17.1 points and 4.3 rebounds, shooting 40.6% from three-point range. Native of Orlando, Florida, with an extra year of eligibility.
- Jamichael Stillwell (Forward, UW-Milwaukee): Led the Horizon League in rebounding with 10.7 per game, adding 13.0 points per game while shooting 46.8% from the floor. An Atlanta native.
- Kobe MaGee (Guard, Drexel): Averaged 14.0 points and 5.6 rebounds, shooting 47.2% from the floor and 43.9% from three. Reportedly visiting Florida State on March 27.
- Brit Harris (guard, USC Upstate): Averaged 11.6 points,2.8 rebounds,and 2.5 assists,shooting 37.3% from three.
- All Wright (Guard, Valparaiso): Freshman who averaged 15.5 points while shooting 38.3% from three, also earning Missouri Valley Rookie of the Year.
- Shelton Williams-Dryden (Forward,West Georgia): Averaged 17.6 points and 7.5 rebounds, a former JUCO prospect.
The transfer portal activity signals a new era for Florida State basketball under Coach Loucks, with a focus on rebuilding the roster through strategic recruitment.
Describe the impact the transfer portal has on college basketball programs like florida State, and provide examples of players the Seminoles are targeting
Florida State Basketball Faces Roster Overhaul as Transfer Portal Opens
Florida State’s men’s basketball team is bracing for notable roster changes as the transfer portal officially opened March 24. With the arrival of new head coach Luke Loucks, replacing the program’s legendary Leonard Hamilton, a wave of departures is anticipated, alongside strategic recruitment from the portal.
Seminoles See Key Players Enter Transfer Portal
Several Seminoles have already announced their departure, seeking new opportunities elsewhere:
- Chandler Jackson (Guard): The junior guard, a three-year player for FSU, averaged 6.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists this season.
- Taylor Bol Bowen (Forward): The sophomore forward and former four-star recruit, who played 28 games, put up 8.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks and steals per game while shooting 47.7% from the floor.
- Waka Mbatch (Forward): The reserve sophomore from Gambia played sparingly in his two seasons.
- Anastasios Rozakeas (Wing): the reserve freshman wing from Athens, Greece, saw action in 13 games.
- Justin Thomas (Wing): the graduate transfer wing is looking for his sixth college with his final year of remaining eligibility, after totaling 33 steals.
FSU Targets Transfer Portal too Boost Roster
Florida State is actively looking to bolster its roster through the transfer portal, having contacted several players including:
- Jacari White (Guard, North Dakota State): Averaged 17.1 points and 4.3 rebounds, shooting 40.6% from three-point range. Native of Orlando, Florida, with an extra year of eligibility.
- Jamichael Stillwell (Forward, UW-Milwaukee): Led the Horizon League in rebounding with 10.7 per game, adding 13.0 points per game while shooting 46.8% from the floor. An Atlanta native.
- Kobe MaGee (Guard, drexel): Averaged 14.0 points and 5.6 rebounds, shooting 47.2% from the floor and 43.9% from three. reportedly visiting Florida State on March 27.
- Brit Harris (guard, USC Upstate): Averaged 11.6 points, 2.8 rebounds,and 2.5 assists, shooting 37.3% from three.
- All Wright (guard, Valparaiso): Freshman who averaged 15.5 points while shooting 38.3% from three, also earning Missouri Valley Rookie of the Year.
- Shelton Williams-Dryden (Forward, West Georgia): Averaged 17.6 points and 7.5 rebounds, a former JUCO prospect.
The transfer portal activity signals a new era for Florida State basketball under Coach loucks, with a focus on rebuilding the roster through strategic recruitment.
Q&A: Florida State Basketball Roster Overhaul
Q: Why is Florida State undergoing such a big roster change?
A: The program is entering a new era under Coach Luke Loucks, replacing the long-tenured Leonard Hamilton. This often leads to player departures and a need to recruit new talent.
Q: What is the transfer portal?
A: Its a database where college athletes can officially declare their intention to transfer schools. Coaches can then contact these players to recruit them.
Q: Who are some key players leaving FSU?
A: Chandler Jackson, Taylor Bol Bowen, and Justin Thomas are among those departing, each bringing their own unique skillset to the table.
Q: Who is Coach Luke Loucks?
A: He is the new head coach of Florida state, a former player.
Q: What kind of players is FSU targeting in the transfer portal?
A: They are looking for players who can immediately contribute, including scorers, rebounders, and shooters. Jacari White, Jamichael Stillwell, and Kobe MaGee are examples of players they’ve contacted.
Q: How does the transfer portal work for college basketball?
A: Players enter their name, and schools reach out to them. Players can then visit schools, and if they choose, they’ll transfer. They often have to sit out a year unless they’re a graduate transfer.
Q: What does “JUCO prospect” mean?
A: It refers to a player who previously played at a Junior College before transferring to a four-year university.
Q: What’s the impact of a new coach on a team?
A: A new coach often brings a new system, playing style, and recruiting strategy, which can lead to significant roster turnover.
Q: What can fans expect from Florida State basketball next season?
A: Expect a team in transition, with Coach Loucks looking to build a new identity.It will be a new era of Seminoles basketball.
The transfer portal is reshaping the Seminoles. Keep an eye on FSU’s roster moves as Coach Loucks rebuilds the program.