FSU BASKETBALL
Florida State basketball has had productive pieces in its team history. Former head coach Leonard Hamilton created a standard for a program that excelled in other sports.
New head basketball coach Luke Loucks wants to create a culture in Tallahassee that requires them to be up-tempo and shoot a ton from long distance. The Seminoles looked like an exciting bunch in their exhibition loss to Alabama. Coach Loucks has had a history of working with NBA superstars Steph Curry and De'Aaron Fox.
This should attract future recruits to Tallahassee.
SCOTTIE BARNES
The NBA season started for the majority of the league last night. I wrote an article breaking down the various players that formerly wore the Garnet and Gold and who I thought would have the bigger impact.
Former Florida State basketball star Scottie Barnes was someone that I was excited to see in action against the Atlanta Hawks. The Raptors had a difficult 2024 season, where they finished with a 30-52 record. This was partly because they did not have a healthy Brandon Ingram.
Scottie Barnes tonight:
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 23, 2025
22 Points
9 Assists
5 Rebounds
2 Blocks
1 Steal
9/14 FGM
32 Minutes pic.twitter.com/GbNIed8mYo
However, the Raptors looked like a well-oiled machine in the 138-118 victory on Wednesday night. They were led by leading scorer RJ Barrett (25), but let's not discount the performance that Scottie Barnes had. He finished with 22 points, nine assists, six rebounds, two blocks, and one steal.
Scottie Barnes is insane 😭 pic.twitter.com/t3mwDX1DJ7
— Pensare Basketball (@PensareBBall) October 23, 2025
The more impressive aspect of the game was that Barnes never attempted a three-point shot. In today's landscape of the NBA, it is difficult to find players who find joy in attacking the basket. Barnes's defense and finishing at the rim will be a huge factor in the Raptors' success this season.
Scottie Barnes picking up where he left off on Friday. 16 of his 18 points have come from inside 8 feet or at the line. 6 of his 8 buckets were at the rim. Also has 4 assists, 1 steal and a couple blocks in his 22 minutes. A shot diet you love to see: pic.twitter.com/BGpdbBbSEv
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 23, 2025
Hopefully, the former Seminole can continue to build on this performance, as the Raptors play the Bucks on Friday, October 24th at 6:30 PM EST.