FSU Basketball Recap: Noles Top Minnesota in ACC-Big Ten Challenge

Player of the Game

In what was a great all-around performance, Jonathon Issac is our player of the game. Issac finished tonight’s contest with 14 points, 13 rebounds (career-high), two steals, and two blocks. He was everywhere tonight, and he continues to prove what a special talent he is. I mean, there’s a reason this many NBA scouts showed up to the game:

Issac will go in the top 10 of this upcoming draft, and he may sneak his way into the top five if he keeps performing at this level. I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say it: enjoy him while you can.

Dwayne Bacon also had a nice night, scoring 18 points and pulling down five rebounds. He’s another guy that will get drafted, more than likely in the first round too. Crazy to think, Florida State might just have two first round picks on the same team. Look how far we’ve come.

The “Ryan Reid Unsung Hero” Award

By now, I assume everyone know what this section is dedicated to. If you don’t, familiarize yourself. For his performance tonight, Michael Ojo is our “Ryan Reid Unsung Hero”. He scored a mere 12 points, and only played 17 minutes, but his impact was undeniable. Ojo drew four fouls, made six of his nine free throw attempts, and used his size to make life miserable for Minnesota’s big men.

Also, three of his five rebounds were on the offensive end, which gave his team extra possessions. That could be the difference in a game down the road.

It’s great to see what a player he has become. As a freshman, Ojo could barely grab a rebound. Now he’s a force to be reckoned with. A force that also shoots over 70 percent from the foul line. The big man has deft touch, but can also throw it down with the best of them:

I have a feeling this won’t be the last time Michael Ojo is bestowed with this honor.