Florida State basketball finished its regular-season finale against the SMU Mustangs at home on Saturday. This gave the Seminoles their tenth win in thirteen tries, as the Seminoles outperformed the Mustangs in the second half.
Head coach Luke Loucks received skepticism after the North Carolina State loss, where his squad looked defeated and ready to pack it in for the next season. However, Coach Loucks and his coaching staff stayed long hours in the facility after the loss, preparing to find a solution.
The play of guard Robert McCray V and forward Chauncey Wiggins has been phenomenal, and it looks like they caught their rhythm just before the ACC Tournament. While I do believe that it is a far-fetched idea to suggest that the Seminoles are an NCAA Tournament team (Auburn needs to think the same), they could be a spoiler to those squads that actually do have a solid chance.
Florida State enters the ACC Tournament, where no one wants to play them
This is a hats-off moment for head coach Luke Loucks. He faced adversity during his first season and found a way to finish the regular season strong. Even though the Seminoles don't have the deepest NIL budget for basketball, Coach Loucks was still able to grab a top-ten recruiting class.
Florida State can play a bit more loosely in the ACC Tournament. The squad shouldn't fall in love with the three-point shot, but they shouldn't have to overthink either with no real stakes involved. The Seminoles could play spoiler for those teams that are on the bubble, such as their opponent, California, which they play on Wednesday, March 11th at 7 PM EST on ESPN2.
Me this season: The ACC is back
— AI Bracketology 🏀 (@AI_Bracketology) March 8, 2026
The ACC: pic.twitter.com/ABISeVUVzH
It is hilarious that Florida State has beaten all four of the teams on the bubble list. The Seminoles could put salt in the wound for the Golden Bears on Wednesday if they beat them. Many college basketball teams don't want to see that Florida State team right now, and I don't blame them.