FSU Basketball: Top 4 Reasons Noles Have Dominated Early Season

Newcomer Jonathan Isaac is the real deal

Bacon performing at a high-level is the engine that makes Florida State’s offensive attack go. However, there’s no way he could do it all by himself. Even players of his caliber need another guy around who can help carry the scoring load. And that’s where freshman Jonathan Isaac comes into the picture.

Isaac was also a McDonald’s All-American, and came to Florida State as the eighth-best prospect in the country. (Can we just mention how absurdly well coach Hamilton has been recruiting? Bravo, sir.)

And despite missing a week of action, then struggling in his return against the Gators, Isaac has been every bit as good as advertised. And then some.

He’s played well enough thus far to receive early consideration as the 7th overall player selected in next year’s draft according to DraftExpress (they’re big fans of his). Part of that is due to his potential, which he obviously hasn’t fully reached yet. But that’s not to say that Isaac is some sort of project; the young forward is contributing for the Seminoles right now too.

Isaac is averaging 14 points and seven rebounds, to go along with a block and a steal per game. He’s shooting the ball at an obscene 57 percent rate, which is not easy to do for a wing player. And though there were questions about his three-point shooting coming in, he’s making them at a healthy 43 percent clip.

For some visual representation of how good he is, look no further. You should watch the entire highlight (it’s really impressive), but specifically, the first play is a good example of his ingenuity:

Isaac is 6-foot-10, yet has the ability to sky for the rebound and bring the ball down the court himself. And thanks to his immense height and length for a perimeter player, he is able to see over his defender and feed senior Michael Ojo with the perfect entry pass. The play is subtle, but it shows how unique of a talent he is.

Here’s a highlight from the Temple game that furthers my point. Isaac splits a double-team, rises for a jump-shot, and at the last moment, feeds a cutting Phil Cofer for an easy lay-in. Incredible understanding by the young freshman:

Future NBA star Jonathan Isaac was a major pull for coach Hamilton and his staff. He has been, and will continue to be, one of the main reasons behind what the Seminoles are able to achieve this season.