Florida State Basketball: Taylor Bol Bowen carrying momentum into sophomore year

Florida’s State Basketball is underway this week. For die-hard fans and college students, it allows everyone to get a distraction from the horrendous football season that the Seminoles have had this season. Although we’re still in a new era for the basketball team, the team is projected to improve and finish with a better record than the last two seasons. 

Many stories are heading into the new season for Florida State. How can they capitalize off of an improved season a year ago? Can Jamir Watkins emerge as the best player in the Atlantic Coast Conference? Will the transfers be able to make an immediate impact? One storyline that everyone should be interested in is the play of Taylor Bol Bowen heading into his sophomore season. 

Leonard Hamilton grabbed a steal by signing the power forward from Brewster Academy. After an abysmal 2022-23 season, Florida State needed all its players to produce. There may have been pressure on the freshman Bol Bowen to produce right away. However, he slowly got comfortable on the floor and began to make a difference. 

When you look at the box score, Taylor Bol Bowen’s numbers did not stand out. His freshman season averages were 3.1 points and 2.6 rebounds. Looking at the stat sheet, I’m sure people are asking how he makes a difference. Impact does not always show in the box score. The reason Coach Hamilton trusted Bol Bowen in the game was because he knew that he could help the team win in multiple ways. 

Bol Bowen is a team player. That means that whatever his team needs him to bring to the table he’ll do it. One area where Bol Bowen was impressive was his defense. His versatility on that end of the floor to switch and hold his own against smaller defenders was impressive. Bol Bowen has tremendous mobility and uses his size correctly to disrupt offensive players. There were several moments last season where he got key stops on defense that made a huge difference. 

Offensively was where Taylor Bol Bowen slowly improved throughout his freshman season. Surely, he wasn’t on many team’s scouting reports based on his numbers alone. However, Bol Bowen showed that he could put the ball in the basket. One way was finishing around the rim. Bol Bowen uses his length to overpower smaller defenders around the rim and also isn’t afraid to grab offensive rebounds for second-chance possessions. Extra opportunities were how Bol Bowen found a way to be impactful on offense for Florida State. 

Other areas were floor spacing and putting the ball on the floor. Bol Bowen made one three-pointer in seven games last season. The opposing team’s defense often disrespected his ability to make perimeter shots. With that being said, Bol Bowen made team’s pay several times by knocking down three-pointers. Bol Bowen also showed he can take matters into his own hands by putting the ball on the floor and attacking the rim. His potential as a versatile offensive player sparks optimism amongst the Florida State team and its fans. 

It was an impressive freshman year for Taylor Bol Bowen. With that being said, the question is how can he capitalize off of it. Bol Bowen will have a bigger role this season for Florida State with more opportunities to be effective on offense. During the Seminoles’ exhibition matchup against West Florida, Bol Bowen recorded 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 steals in a 100-56 victory. A performance like that heading into the new season gives him enormous confidence as he’s ready to attack the new year. 

Taylor Bol Bowen’s sophomore season could be a game-changer for both himself and Florida State. He’s already gained the respect of his teammates and fans due to his production on the court. Now it’s time for Bol Bowen to capitalize off of a great freshman year with a better sophomore campaign.