Florida State didn't have the year that it wanted to in 2025 with its first-year head coach Luke Loucks, but after the blowout home loss to North Carolina State, they rebounded nicely with an 18-14 overall record.
Obviously, this isn't where Florida State fans want their basketball program to be. It should be noted that they are moving into a new chapter of the university without Leonard Hamilton guiding the roster.
Coach Loucks was a former player, so he is liked by the fans, boosters, players, and administration. However, there are many likeable figures in college basketball, but it all depends on whether you win on the hardwood.
With a new coach, some players don't want to go through the growing pains. As a result, the Seminoles saw a variety of individuals enter the transfer portal. That is the nature of college basketball nowadays.
Former Florida State forward Malique Ewin announces that he will enter the transfer portal again
The roster had talented pieces such as guard Robert McCray V and forward Chauncey Wiggins that made a difference for the Seminoles in 2025. However, Loucks had a feeling that a top scorer, forward Malique Ewin, would announce his return.
Ewin elected to transfer to Arkansas. The excitement around the Razorbacks was understandable because John Calipari was in his second season and had been successful in the NCAA Tournament. Ewin would have been a solid returnee for Florida State.
The 6'10" forward averaged 14.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game for Florida State in the 2024-2025 season, while averaging 9.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game for Arkansas this past year (according to ESPN Stats and Information).
The production was lower for Ewin, but he did have the luxury of playing alongside guard Darius Acuff Jr. With that said, it seems like the forward didn't think his role would blossom at Arkansas and it was announced on Tuesday afternoon that Malique Ewin would be entering the transfer portal.
Arkansas big man Malique Ewin is entering the @TransferPortal, he told @On3.
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 21, 2026
The 6-10 senior averaged 9.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 1.1 BPG this season. He will need a waiver to gain an additional year of eligibility.https://t.co/Ezf9rGCkX9 pic.twitter.com/BEeeZPywxZ
Given that he needs a waiver to get another year for eligibility, this would be his fourth college in four years that he would attend (Ole Miss, Florida State, and Arkansas). He spent one year at JUCO before coming to Florida State.
All in all, I wish nothing but the best for the former Florida State basketball player.
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