FSU Women's Basketball: The Return of Mariana Valenzuela is near

Basketball season is right around the corner. The Florida State Women’s Basketball team is in search of redemption. The team fell short in a first-round defeat against Alabama in the NCAA Tournament this past season. The heartbreak that took place is in the past and the team is looking ahead at a new opportunity to dominate the 2024-25 season. 

Despite getting bounced in the first round, it was still a terrific season for the Seminoles. They began the season in the Top 25 AP Poll and proved to be one of the leading contenders in the ACC. Despite Florida State’s success, the team missed the presence of Mariana Valenzuela, a key player who missed the 2023-24 season with a knee injury. 

Through two seasons at Florida State, Valenzuela has proven to be a key contributor to the team. She’s a perfect compliment in any lineup Coach Brooke Wyckoff places her in. The reason is because of Valenzuela’s ability to space the floor. As a stretch big who can provide spacing, it opens up opportunities for the guards to attack driving lanes, which we know is what Florida State loves to do. Through her first two seasons, Valenzuela can space the floor very well and shoot efficiently from the perimeter. 

The numbers back up Mariana Valenzuela being a perimeter threat. Through two seasons, she’s shot 49 percent from the floor as well as 53 percent from three. Valenzuela is elite off the catch-and-shoot. When a guard gets trapped or the defense closes the driving lanes, they could rely on her to anticipate the pass and shoot with confidence. Valenzuela also has the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack inside. She has great footwork and body control to finish around the basket. 

Valenzuela will be another rotation piece that could be huge in the frontcourt. Certainly, it will take her some time to adjust after missing an entire season. Luckily, she already has chemistry with a few teammates and she will look to pick up where she left off. With Valenzuela potentially making her return, her impact will take Florida State to another level.