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Florida State basketball: 2019-20 season review and 2020-2021 first-look preview

By Cody Williams

SOUTH BEND, IN - MARCH 04: Devin Vassell #24 and Trent Forrest #3 of the Florida State Seminoles walk off the court after their come from behind win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on March 4, 2020 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - MARCH 04: Devin Vassell #24 and Trent Forrest #3 of the Florida State Seminoles walk off the court after their come from behind win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on March 4, 2020 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Early 2020-21 preview

The Seminoles will have a couple of major losses to contend with from the ACC champion squad going into the 2020-21 college hoops season. That begins with the departures of Devin Vassell and Patrick Williams, both of whom declared early for the NBA Draft. Meanwhile, Trent Forrest graduates after finishing second on the team in scoring this past season.

Hamilton’s team returns some quality experience in M.J. Walker and Malik Osborne. Additionally, Anthony Polite and Raiquan Gray are primed to excel when given more usage and opportunity in larger roles. That will serve the Noles well.

What bodes even better for FSU, however, is the arrival of two newcomers to Tallahassee. Hamilton is bringing in 5-star recruit Scottie Barnes, who figures to be a matchup nightmare as a 6-foot-8 forward with the ability to run the offense from the top of the key. Add in one of the best JUCO transfers in the country, Sardaar Calhoun, and the Seminoles are going to enjoy an influx of talent.

Put simply, Hamilton’s Florida State teams rarely thrive on individual talent alone. His best groups suffocate and overwhelm opponents with athleticism and length that create mismatches on both ends of the floor. Even with losing Vassell, Williams and Forrest, FSU should be able to replicate the same recipe they did in the 2019-20 season and find their way into contention for an ACC title once more.

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