FSU Basketball: What does start of ACC play for Noles mean for March?

FSU basketball knew they were going to have their work cut our for them during the first three games of conference play, but still have to be disappointed.

The start of the ACC season for the FSU basketball team hasn’t been stellar by score. In an eight-day span the Noles are now 1-2 in conference play with a win over Miami and losses to No. 4 Virginia and No. 1Duke. But it’s hard to believe that would be enough to keep the Noles out of the madness of March.

The worst loss came to Virginia of course as the Seminoles played them at Charlottesville and the Cavaliers are unquestionably is one of the best teams in the nation as they have one of the best defenses in the country and it showed.

The Noles struggled at times against Miami and that was concerning, but given the short time frame were probably reserving as much as they could for the Duke game that would be days later. Plus, it’s a rivalry and those are always tough. Additionally, Hurricanes guard Chris Lykes had a tremendous game.

Although the Duke game was a heartbreaking loss, it showed what FSU basketball is capable of. Battling the number one team in the nation as hard as they did is worthy of respect, and proves they will likely be dancing in March. It would be hard to believe that head coach Leonard Hamilton, who is famous for making adjustments, won’t revisit this and make changes as the season go forward.

One of the highlights of the Duke game was that Phil Cofer had 21 points after being back from injury, and that was his best game so far since then. Mifondu Kabengele also showed out with 24 points that were huge for the Noles.

While questions about opposing players being so open and not guarded remain, FSU basketball has to seal those gaps to succeed against the rest of their schedule. This is especially true because  Zion Williamson, Duke’s amazing star, was out the second half. That is of concern as well, given the fact that Duke was able to overcome a Noles lead without him.

The Seminoles will get a chance to regroup in the next eight days with games against unranked Pittsburgh, Boston College, and Clemson. Pittsburgh, with only a two day turnaround from the Duke game, will be challenge. But for now, the Noles next ranked team they will face will be North Carolina on February 23rd.

Regardless, given what they have shown so far through these games there is little question that they will be dancing in March. It’s just time to make some adjustments to succeed there.