Florida State Men's Basketball: Cam Corhen's presence making a difference this season

The Florida State Seminoles have looked impressive in ACC play. The team shows fight on defense and have played together on offense. One of the biggest X-Factors for the Seminoles has been sophomore sensation Cam Corhen, who continues to impose his will on both ends of the floor. 

Early in the season, head coach Leonard Hamilton has expressed the Seminoles’ lack of a rim protector. It’s understandable considering the seven-footers he was able to recruit over the years. Unfortunately, all of Florida State’s big men are under seven feet and aren’t known for their rim protection. However, the guys have come together and found a way to protect the paint from opposing teams. 

Cam Corhen has been the team’s enforcer all season. He’s physical, and athletic and doesn’t mind playing his role to help the team win. Since his time as a Seminole, Corhen has continued to blossom as an important piece for Leonard Hamilton. As a sophomore, he’s continued to take his game to different heights. 

Offensively, Corhen has continued to take strides. No, he may not be one of the top-scoring options. However, he can place himself in positions to put points on the board. In Florida State’s rivalry matchup against Miami, Corhen set the tone offensively. He shot 7/7 from the floor while doing a great job of scoring in the pick-and-roll as well as making second-chance opportunities. Corhen has the willingness to make sure Florida State converts on every offensive possession. Outside of scoring, he can set a solid screen to help a teammate get open for a high-percentage shot. 

Defensively, Cam Corhen has become a monster. To be a great defender, a player has to show pride and effort on that end of the floor. Corhen doesn’t back down from any challenge. An opposing center could be taller or more physical than Corhen. However, it doesn’t stop him from looking to get a stop. Corhen has been great at both post-defense and being able to switch. His ability to step out and defend has also played a major role in Florida State’s season. 

Corhen’s presence was felt early in the season as the Seminoles started 4-1 and won the Sunshine Slam Tournament. However, Corhen goes down for four weeks due to an injury. In that period, the Seminoles went 2-3 in that span. Corhen eventually made his return in Florida State’s final non-conference game in a loss vs Lipscomb. Since that point, things turned once Corhen continued to make his way back from injury. 

The Seminoles are one of the best teams in the ACC. They’re currently top 10 in offense and have won six of their last seven conference games. In their recent success, Corhen has continued to show his value. What he provides on both ends of the floor was missed during his time off the court. He and the coaching staff have continued to do a terrific job of studying film and being prepared for future matchups. Corhen has had his share of battles against some of the top centers in the ACC. In those matchups, he’s continued to hold his own and give 100 percent in slowing down the opposing big man. 

Corhen is averaging 8.5 points along with 3.4 rebounds and 0.8 steals. In his 14 games played, he has recorded at least one or more blocks and has seven double-digit games. The contest that stands out is playing well in hostile territory and being one of the leading factors against the Miami Hurricanes. Because of his contributions inside, the Seminoles were able to fight off their rival and win another thriller contest in South Beach. The momentum carried over as Florida State won again on the road against Syracuse after falling short vs Clemson. 

Corhen’s next opposing matchup will be against Armando Bacot of the North Carolina Tar Heels. On December 2, the Tar Heels protected their home floor after the Seminoles blew a double-digit second-half lead. With Corhen sidelined, Bacot dominated for 13 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks. The Tar Heels’ big man looks to have a repeat performance as North Carolina takes a visit to Donald L Tucker Center. However, with the way Cam Corhen has played, he’ll look to prevent Bacot from making his presence known inside.