FSU basketball: Noles ranked No. 5 in the nation after Miami win

FSU basketball is now ranked No. 5 in the nation after its ninth consecutive win. Not bad for a team that came into the season unranked.

FSU basketball (16-2, 6-1 ACC) is in uncharted territory after beginning the season unranked. The Noles made the Sweet 16 last season, but lost a lot of firepower when Terrance Mann and Mfionde Kabengele were taken in the NBA Draft.

They also lost seniors Phil Cofer and P.J. Savoy who were large contributors. I suppose that’s the reason the Noles entered the season unranked despite last season’s success.

FSU basketball did itself no favors by losing their opening game against Pittsburgh, However, Leonard Hamilton has done a great job of molding this team and getting them to take upon the identity of past teams.

This FSU team is deep with a defensive mentality that has different players who are capable of stepping up each game.

Their hard work has been recognized each week as they’ve been climbing up the rankings. Their  No. 5 ranking comes after their come from behind win over Miami Saturday afternoon.

It helped teams like Duke, Butler and Auburn ranked above them lost. Not to mention the Louisville team who beat Duke got thrashed by the Noles.

Their ninth consecutive win gave FSU basketball sole possession of the top spot in the ACC conference. They hold the tie-breaker over Louisville.

The surprising thing about this team is they seem to excel each time I think they’re going to have a letdown game. In year’s past, the Noles would seemingly lose their next game after getting ranked in the top 25.

Now, they have had some tough games and haven’t played their best at times during some of the wins. However, they’ve found ways to win and that’s all that matters in the grand scheme of things.

They’ll take on a Notre Dame team Saturday who’d fit a situation we’d expect them to lose in the past after receiving a No. 5 ranking. Will they continue to prove us wrong? I sure hope so!