The Florida State men's basketball team was victorious in the first exhibition of the preseason against the Auburn Tigers in Birmingham, Alabama. The Seminoles traveled for the second year in a row to play in the Ballin in Boutwell preseason event, but this year delivered a different result.
Second-year coach Luke Loucks brought his team down to Alabama and took on a strong, veteran-led Auburn team. The offense took a moment to come alive for both teams before a back-and-forth contest ensued. Florida State trailed the Tigers by five points at the half, but ultimately pulled ahead halfway into the second half.
Exhibitions should not necessarily be taken seriously since most coaches are experimenting with different lineups and tactics. However, there is still plenty that can be taken away from the game ahead of the final preseason battle for the Seminoles against LSU.
1. Marcis Ponder could be just the man Luke Loucks needs
If there is one player from either team that truly stood out during the exhibition, it would be the Seminoles' freshman center Marcis Ponder. Loucks had a goal in the offseason that involved adding more height to the team and a strong presence inside, and he just might be getting both of those out of Ponder this season.
The 285-pound frame of Ponder poses a threat to nearly every opposing center, and he proved just how difficult it can be to stop him against Auburn. Ponder brought down 15 rebounds in the first half and finished the game with a 21-rebound, 13-point double-double. The center also added three blocks, including one incredibly physical rejection at the top of the paint.
Ponder looks like he can be just the kind of beast in the interior that Loucks needs, and that might be an important factor heading into ACC play this season, as most teams do not lack height this year.
2. Kam Taylor's athleticism should give opposing ACC teams a problem
Speaking of potentially important factors in ACC play, former UNC Asheville guard Kam Taylor could be the kind of dynamic player that offers the team plenty of options. With a 6-foot-7 frame as a shooting guard and exceptional speed, Taylor is a very difficult player to stop once he starts moving towards the basket. Additionally, Taylor is a creator and a finisher in transition, with the ability to ignite a play with defense and slam home the fast-paced dunk.
Florida State had a strong team last season, but Loucks did not necessarily have a physical freak like Taylor, who is fearless when driving through the lane. The real cherry on top for Loucks, however, is the fact that Taylor can easily be paired up with Ponder moving forward.
Ponder is a big, extremely physical center who sets exceptional screens due to his size. Taylor has a very quick first step and looks the most fluid when charging towards the basket. With the gaps Ponder can create and Taylor's court vision and slashing abilities combined, Florida State might have a new reliable option.
Taylor finished the exhibition with 19 points, four rebounds, one assist, and three steals, including a perfect 10-for-10 mark at the foul line.
3. The freshmen need to continue to be heavily involved this season
Ponder is the freshman who more than likely will have the biggest impact this season, judging by his ability to stand with a veteran like Bukky Oboye. However, Florida State has a few other freshmen who could become important parts of the team this season after receiving an extended sample size against Auburn.
Freshman guards Martay Barnes and Elisee Assui both came off of the bench for the Seminoles and had impacts in different ways. Barnes finished the game with six points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. The guard creates plays for himself and his teammates with his speed, making him a dangerous player with the ball in his hands.
Assui, however, is a bit different from Barnes, finishing the game with two points and one steal while making his presence felt on defense. Assui did a great job at locking down the perimeter and limiting the number of uncontested three-point shots Auburn took. Last season, Florida State struggled with closing out on the long-range shots, and the success of Assui in doing so is great to see.
It is just one sample size, but the trio of Ponder, Assui, and Barnes could become an important one moving forward into the regular season.
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