The Florida State men's basketball team kicked off their season with a hard-fought 72-64 win over Northern Kentucky at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Head coach Leonard Hamilton was pleased with the team's performance, highlighting their aggressive play and the standout performances of several players.

Seminoles Showcase Depth and Determination in Gritty Season Opener

Watkins and Bol Bowen Lead the Charge

Jamir Watkins and Taylor Bol Bowen emerged as the top scorers for the Seminoles, each contributing 17 points to the victory. Watkins extended his impressive double-digit scoring streak to 19 consecutive games, dating back to last season's matchup against Wake Forest. The senior guard also added four rebounds and four steals, showcasing his all-around impact on the game.Bol Bowen's career-best performance was a highlight for the Seminoles. The sophomore forward's hustle and activity on the court were praised by Coach Hamilton, who noted the improvements in Bol Bowen's perimeter skills and ball-handling abilities. The coach emphasized that the majority of Bol Bowen's points came from his relentless effort and energy, a testament to his growing impact on the team.

Shooting Struggles and Rebounding Woes

Despite the Seminoles' victory, the team's shooting and rebounding performance left room for improvement. FSU struggled from beyond the arc, shooting only 20% from three-point range. Jerry Deng was the lone bright spot, knocking down three triples from the wing and finishing with six points.Coach Hamilton acknowledged the team's shooting woes, stating, "That's kind of who we are right now. We're not a well-oiled machine. Still sputtering a little bit." The Seminoles' inability to consistently knock down shots from the perimeter will be an area of focus as they look to refine their offensive execution.Additionally, the Seminoles were edged on the boards by Northern Kentucky, who grabbed 35 rebounds compared to FSU's total. While the Seminoles managed to go on several runs and cut the lead to as low as 10 points, their struggles on the glass proved to be a challenge throughout the game.

Defensive Intensity and Depth Shine

One of the most encouraging aspects of the Seminoles' performance was their defensive intensity. Coach Hamilton was particularly pleased with the team's ability to record 50 deflections and 14 steals, which led to 17 points in transition. This defensive effort was a testament to the team's commitment to disrupting the opposition and creating scoring opportunities off turnovers.The Seminoles also showcased their depth, with 11 players seeing significant minutes, including four freshmen. Daquan Davis, a freshman guard, made an immediate impact off the bench, scoring eight points, grabbing three rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording two blocks. The contributions of Allier Maluk, AJ Swinton, and Christian Nitu further highlighted the team's depth and the potential for continued development throughout the season.Coach Hamilton acknowledged that the team is still in the process of developing a cohesive unit and finding the right rotation, stating, "It's obvious that we have a little more quality depth, but right now, we are still trying to develop that cohesive unit and getting a sound rotation. I think we are probably three or four more games away."As the Seminoles continue to build chemistry and refine their game, their impressive defensive intensity, depth, and the standout performances of Watkins and Bol Bowen provide a solid foundation for a promising season ahead.