Florida State Men's Basketball: Justin Thomas Has Been a Huge Piece This Early Season

The Florida State Seminoles have gotten off to an impressive 3-1 start to the 2024-25 season. Looking past Friday night’s loss vs Florida, the team has looked as if they can be a contender in the ACC. The Noles have shown improvements from last season. Their roster construction over the summer prepared them for what could be a good season heading into this year. 

Through four games, we’ve seen a multitude of things from Florida State. Jamir Watkins continues to prove he’s one of the best players in the ACC as his 30-point performance vs Rice showed for it. Taylor Bol Bowen continues to show promise as an improved sophomore. Also, other great talents like Malique Ewin, Chandler Jackson, and others have stepped up as well. Another impactful player for the Noles has been transfer guard Justin Thomas who has played a huge role off the bench. 

Thomas is a transfer guard who took his talents to Tallahassee over the off-season. He began his college career at Milwaukee in 2022 while later transferring to UTSA the following year. Unfortunately, Thomas never played a game for the Roadrunners. Before joining Florida State, it was over a year since he saw playing time on the basketball court. 

As the news was announced, I asked myself how Justin Thomas could be impactful to this team. This is a Florida State program that’s looking to get back on the right track after two roller coaster basketball seasons. With that being said, the team couldn’t afford any mistakes in the transfer portal. Luckily, head coach Leonard Hamilton knew that Thomas could be a difference-maker for this team. Through four games, the junior guard has done a great job being a pivotal piece in the rotation. 

Thomas is a dynamic guard who can do a multitude of things on the floor. First, we’ll start with defense. Thomas has done a great job taking on the assignment of defending the opposing team’s ball-handlers. He does a great job picking up full-court and disrupting ball-handlers. Thomas doesn’t apply tremendous pressure on the opposing team’s guards but does just enough by using his length and mobility to stop teams from getting into their halfcourt offense. He’s also done a great job of using his length to get in passing lanes as well. 

Thomas’ defense has shown to be impactful for Florida State. He’s averaging one steal per game and had two steals in the Noles’ win over Tarleton State. The Seminoles have also had an improved defensive as well as they’re holding teams to 66.5 points on 40 percent shooting. Thomas has played a small role in why the team has improved defensively as he sets the tone with his on-ball defense. 

Offensively is also an area where Justin Thomas has also made an impact. It’s not just scoring the basketball where he’s made his mark but as a playmaker as well. Thomas and Daquan Davis have shown to be great decision makers in the second unit for Florida State. He has displayed great vision and understands when and where to make the right reads. He can run the pick and roll and set up the big man for success as well as find an open shooter from the perimeter. Thomas’ assists numbers may not stand out as he’s averaging only two per game. However, his unselfishness has played a big role for his team. 

Don't get it twisted! Thomas has also shown that he’s capable of scoring as well. What stands out in his offense is his efficiency. Thomas always seeks high quality shots and never settles for an ill-advised look. His play off-ball is terrific as he can either be a spot-up shooter or cut backdoor for easy finishes. Playing in lineups next to Watkins, Davis, and other primary ball-handlers allows Thomas to receive open opportunities on offense. Because of it, he’s averaging eight points per game on 50 percent shooting. 

The notable performance from Thomas this season comes from the loss vs Florida. He scored 11 points in this matchup while shooting 3/3 from behind the three-point line. When Thomas has an open look, he makes the defense pay. In a contest where Florida State’s offense was non-existent through most of the game, Thomas’ scoring played a role in the Seminoles’ attempt at a second half comeback. 

The season is still young. The Noles are four games in and have a lot more to prove moving forward. It’s been an impressive start to the season but the schedule will become more challenging. As the Noles match up against top tier talents, having a key veteran like Justin Thomas will be important. He’s shown to be effective on both ends of the floor and someone you can rely on to make a big play.