FSU basketball: Impact of RaiQuan Gray entering NBA Draft

Experience

If Gray returned in 2022, the Noles would have a player with starting experience to help the large number of freshmen joining the program.

Gray has the size to play down on the block, but the experience with the ball to take players off the dribble.

The offense operated much better when he decided to take over games, and he always seemed to be able to get a basket when the Noles needed one most.

There were several times Gray would capture a rebound and go coast-to-coast for a score during games.

There were not many players willing to step in front of a 6’8″ 260-pound player going to the basket.

Gray could score all-around the basket, and also had a solid mid-range jump shot defenders had to respect. It’s one reason why he was able to beat the guy’s off the dribble.

Gray was a solid defender too, averaging 1.2 steals per game for a power forward. That’s a lot of production to replace, but FSU will have two players capable of running the point, which should help alleviate the loss somewhat.

FSU would be a better team had Gray decided to stay another year, point-blank.