FSU basketball: What to expect in Baba Miller’s season debut against Wake Forest

FSU basketball (5-11, 3-2 ACC) will travel to Winston Salem Wednesday night for a 9 p.m. ET tip against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (11-5, 3-2 ACC).

The Noles won their last outing in blowout fashion against Georgia Tech, and Wednesday will mark the season debut of freshman talent Baba Miller.

Miller completed his bogus 16-game NCAA suspension and will look to make his presence felt with the Noles entering the game as +8 betting underdogs.

The under/over point total implies a 79-70 victory for the Demon Deacons. However, many anticipate the addition of Miller to the lineup will make the Noles a better team.

What can we expect in his season debut?

Miller checks in at 6’11 and 205 pounds. I don’t think anyone should expect Miller to come into his first game and have 15 points and 10 rebounds or anything like that.

He’s been practicing with the team, but there’s a difference between the two. Miller will likely have a lot of energy early on and will need to avoid trying to do too much when he’s in the game. I think it’s fair to expect him to contribute with some rebounds and on the defensive end with his length.

That’s two areas where they need help, along with depth, because FSU had some guys playing well over 30 minutes in their last outing. That extra body should help the team remain fresher in the second half. He’ll likely use his length around the basket for some easy points.

Miller plays with an infectious passion, and I can see him trying to give the team a spark when he’s in the game.

A seven-footer that can handle the ball, I can see him drawing some attention and dishing off for a few assists. He played well in the exhibition game against Newberry, but a road game against Wake Forest is likely a different animal.

Don’t set your expectations too high for this first game, but I expect him to contribute and get better with each game.