What is the story about?
Year one of the Luke Loucks era was a tale of two seasons. The 7-11 start to the campaign that featured 4 losses by 28+ points and an 0-5 start to ACC play, followed by the 11-4 finish that saw the Seminoles win 9 of their last 11 regular season conference games and come within 6 inches of knocking off the ACC Champion Duke Blue Devils in the ACC Tournament Quarterfinals. Loucks spoke candidly throughout the season last year about his lessons learned as a head coach and the growth he saw from his staff
and players. Now, the question on the minds of many fans is how will the staff be able to carry over the lessons learned into year two with a roster that is completely overhauled?
The ‘Noles kicked off fall practice on Monday, September 21 and I had an opportunity to watch the first 90 minutes. Below are some general observations and wonderings.
Intensity and physicality were themes of the day
- I looked back at my notes from last year’s first practice and there was a stark increase in aggressiveness this year. Where last year’s practice featured drills that emphasized tempo, conditioning, and shooting, this year’s first full-team drill was a hard-nosed, two-on-two box out and rebounding drill that got so heated it resulted in a skirmish. Even the coaching staff’s communication style was more intense (and colorful) than September 2025.
- Aside from the opening rebounding drill, the other major segments I saw were focused on defensive rotations and closing out, finishing through contact, transition defense, and half-court ball movement. Everything was done full speed, everything was physical, and punishment for losing was a combo of sprinting uphill on a treadmill or full court wind sprints (down and back twice in 22 seconds or less. One group found out the hard way what happens when someone misses the 22 second mark).
- During the 90 minutes I was there, I can’t recall more than 20 or so threes being taken, and that includes threes taken by the Green Vipers (yes, the jerseys were back out!) during the transition D drill. That’s not to say Loucks suddenly no longer cares about perimeter shooting, just that you could tell the focus of the day was on being tough and physical.
New ball tracking tech is very cool
- FSU is now using the Noah Pro ball tracking system to gather and analyze shooting data for all players. Made possible thanks to a basketball specific donation, the system utilizes dozens of cameras above every basket and facial recognition technology to track the arc, rotation, and outcome of any player’s shot attempt, regardless of whether it’s a full team workout or a guy in the gym by himself at 2:00am.
- It was just installed last week and there were monitors around the gym rotating various stats. Things like number of shots over the last 7 days, number of 3-point shots over the last 7 days, 3-point percentage, “splash” percentage (shots that didn’t hit the rim), and an overall NOAH rating.
- Freshman Brandon Bass, Jr. led the way with 1,427 shot attempts in the last 7 days, with Cincinnati transfer Shon Abaev in second at 1,208.
- For three point shots over the last 7 days, those two guys were again top 2, but the order was flipped. Abaev led with 887, just ahead of Bass, Jr. at 783.
- The top 3 for 3 point percentage over the last 7 days (regardless of number of attempts) was Bass, Jr. (69%), Missouri transfer Anthony Robinson II (64%), and UNC-Asheville transfer Kam Taylor (64%).
Individual Player Notes
- Kam Taylor moves with an ease that reminds me of those players who don’t seem to be doing very much and then you look up and they have 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. He hit a smooth three from the top of the corner at the end of a drill and his ability to finish through contact was evident throughout.
- Speaking of finishing through contact, Martay Barnes surprised me with his craftiness around the rim despite his relatively slender frame. He looked especially adept finishing with his left.
- Cooper Schwieger was thicker and longer than I expected. He stood out as one of the toughest guys on the court in the rebounding drill and did not seem intimidated at all by anyone. He sort of reminded me of Alex Steen in terms of his willingness to be first on the floor to a loose ball, put a body on someone when a shot goes up, and just generally do the dirty work.
- Speaking of Steen, he was participating in practice despite still navigating the eligibility process. And I have to say, FSU would be a better team if he can become eligible. Even just having him at practice is making FSU better, the way he models the kind of communication Loucks is looking for on defense, his hustle, and his understanding of the foundations of what this staff wants to do.
- Anthony Robinson’s skill set really shined in the full court transition defense drill. The way he was able to prevent the Green Vipers from just initiating their offense with any comfort reminded me of Trent Forrest. It was also nice to see him pulling young guys to the side and giving them tips after drills.
- Freshman big man Marcis Ponder is indeed big. He is chiseled all over and surprisingly light on his feet for a man of his size. He thrived in the rebounding drill as you’d hope. One area of potential concern, I saw him get caught leaving his feet several times on pump fakes that will pile up the fouls quickly if that’s not rectified.
- Brandon Bass, Jr. began the day by getting sent to the treadmill after showing less than desired execution in the rebounding drill. Instead of hanging his head, he responded by taking his physicality up several notches, winning a box out that drew praise from teammates and then frustrating his opponent so badly the next time it led to the scuffle. Offensively, there’s a smoothness to his game and his stroke. It’s obvious to see why he’s atop the three-point percentage leaderboard from the very first time you see him shoot. Whether he plays 11 minutes or 24 minutes will depend on how much he’s willing and able to commit to defending at the level necessary to win in the ACC. He’s got a naturally slender frame and will need to add strength over time, but we’ve seen slender guys like Braian Angola-Rodas still be effective defenders if they play with an aggressive mentality.
- Elisee Assui is the opposite of slender. This dude is built like a strong safety. I’d be shocked if he’s taller than 6’3.5 barefoot, but his shoulders and backside allow him to be a rebounding force anyway. His lateral quickness surprised me in a positive way and after missing a bit of the session following a hard fall, he came back to splash a corner three during the closeout drill. Consider me intrigued.
- Sebastian Rancik was as long as I’d hoped and moves well. Him and Schweiger complement each other nicely. I’m looking forward to seeing more from him in a more free flowing basketball setting.
- Amare Robinson is one of the smaller guys on the court in stature, but you wouldn’t know it from the he plays, or talks. He’s willing to stick his nose into the scrum and he’s aggressive as a defender on the perimeter.
- Jalen Crawford did what he does best and that’s finish every drill at full speed, communicate with his teammates, encourage, and smile. Teams are better with guys like him on the roster.
- JD Jones was a bit bigger than I anticipated, but seemed a little hesitant during the initial drills. He actually looked most comfortable when he put on the Green Vipers jersey for the full court transition work. He gave a nice look on several possessions working off-ball while new FSU assistant coach CJ Walker ran point.
- On the injury front, Abaev had a wrap on his left wrist and was only doing conditioning drills with the team and the stationary bike. Freshman Collin Paul (who was much bigger than I expected) is dealing with a hamstring and was not participating. Junior A.J. Swinton is still rehabbing his torn ACL suffered last March in the win at Pitt.
The Seminoles will get after it for the next two and a half weeks before traveling to Pensacola to take on Mississippi State on Saturday, October 10th as part of the Southern Tip-Off. This will be the first of three total exhibition games, all against SEC competition. Click here for more information on how to attend the FSU/Miss State exhibition.
