Luke Loucks has made building a connection between Florida State basketball and the student body a priority. On Wednesday, he took that effort outside the arena.
Loucks spent time outside the FSU Student Union for a Coaches Couch Talk presented by Chick-fil-A, sitting down with students alongside Seminoles players Alex Steen and Anthony Robinson II. The informal event gave students an opportunity to ask questions about the team, the upcoming season, and life around the program.
When asked what he was most excited about this season, Loucks immediately turned the conversation toward the students.
“Number one, most excited — come to games,” Loucks said. “The games are fun, whether people realize it or not, especially when it’s a sellout.”
Good conversations.
Great company. Enjoyed our Coaches Couch Talk presented by @ChickfilA #GoNoles | #ALLIN 🍢 pic.twitter.com/r1WOWFZ8sJ
— Florida State Men’s Basketball (@FSUHoops) November 5, 2026
That message has become a consistent theme for Loucks, who has spoken openly about wanting to turn the Donald L. Tucker Center into a legitimate home-court advantage.
Students also got a glimpse into how Loucks is trying to build relationships inside the program. Robinson discussed team bonding activities such as bowling, while Loucks explained that players spend the night before each game at his house watching film and having a cookout with coaches and their families.
That approach traces back in part to Loucks’ NBA experience. Before returning to his alma mater, he spent six seasons in various roles with the Golden State Warriors, including player development, and later worked for the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings.
Loucks specifically credited Steve Kerr and Golden State’s staff for showing him the importance of building genuine relationships with players.
“As coaches, we have to understand it’s our job to help these guys,” Loucks said. “I would much rather breathe life and confidence into my players than just scream at them every day.”
For Loucks, the connection to Florida State is also personal. He told students that one of his favorite parts of living in Tallahassee is taking his three young children to FSU sporting events and watching them develop the same attachment to the university that he had as a student-athlete.
The event came at an ideal time for Loucks’ push to involve the student body. Florida State is 1-0 after a 113-69 win over Florida A&M and will play its first regular-season home game Friday against Troy. Tipoff at the Tucker Center is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.
Loucks has talked repeatedly about creating a culture that extends beyond the players and coaches. Sitting outside the Student Union and answering questions directly from students was another small step toward making them part of it.
Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Luke Loucks brings FSU basketball closer to students
