Energized Hamilton takes FSU men through first basketball practice

By Chuck Walsh
Seminoles.com

For Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton, who is as energized as he has ever been during his lengthy coaching career, the first day of practice is one of the greatest days of the year. That first day of practice came last Saturday as the Seminoles set their sights on a Nov. 10 home game against Kennesaw State.

The first day of practice allows Hamilton and his staff the opportunity to look ahead knowing that the new season is less than six weeks away. It allows his players to know that a summer of demanding work is behind them and the start of the season is coming into view.

The thump, thump, thump of the basketball and squeaking of new sneakers on the brand new floor in Florida State’s Basketball Training Center are loud. The practice uniforms are crisp with the players’ numbers stenciled in garnet and gold on their reversible shirts, while their shorts unmistakably brand each player as a Seminole.

The rims are freshly painted orange, and the baskets are inviting each player to drop shots through the nets.

Throughout the gym, there was an orchestra of sounds and a cornucopia of excitement for the Seminole Men’s Basketball first official practice of the season.

Hamilton set many goals during the 2023 off-season – two that he made perfectly clear – to increase his team’s talent level, and, to get older. He has accomplished both goals and his team will be better because of the efforts of his staff and the hard work of players in the offseason.

“I’ve been pleased with what I’ve seen from this team in several areas,” said the veteran head coach of the Seminoles’ preseason practices. “With the guys who are returning, to the guys we brought in, I think we have a great combination of experience, athleticism, and competitive spirit.”

Graduate students, redshirt seniors, and seniors are now the prevailing class designations on Florida State’s roster. Darin Green (fifth year) finished as one of three players in the ACC with 90 or more 3-point field goals made and averaged 34.1 minutes played per game. Cam’Ron Fletcher (10.8 ppg and 7.5 rpg) was well on his way to an All-ACC type of season before injuring his knee on Dec. 3 at Virginia and missed the remainder of the season. Jaylan Gainey (sixth-year, 65 career games played) was injured in September of 2022 and missed the all of last season. He is a two-time Ivy League Defender of the Year. Both players are on their way to returning to full strength this season. 

“Darin has added things to his game, and he is accepting the role of one of our more experienced guys,” said Hamilton. “He is giving us more leadership, and he is challenging himself to play hard on every possession. That type of effort and enthusiasm is contagious.”

Hamilton, who is in his 22nd season at Florida State, is encouraged by the rehab progress by both Fletcher and Gainey.

“We are pleased with the progress they are making and feel confident that we’ll have their availability early in the season,” said Hamilton. “Cam has gotten bigger and stronger. He has increased his athleticism as a player.”

His now veteran group of underclassmen – Chandler Jackson, Jalen Warley, Cam Corhen, De’Ante Green, Baba Miller, and Tom House – grew up during the 2022-23 season. Jackson (12.2 mpg), Warley (21 starts, 27.9 mpg), Corhen (21 starts, 23.9 mpg), Green (6.3 mpg) and Miller (17.3 mpg following a 16-game NCAA suspension), and House (29 games played) all earned more playing time in Hamilton’s system than most first or second year players will.

“I am very pleased with the progress that Cam (Corhen) has made; he has gotten bigger and stronger. He has increased his athleticism as a player, and he is playing with more confidence. Baba, and the experience he had this summer with his national team has given him more confidence, and I see him making progress as well. Jackson is getting adjusted to who we need him to be on offense. Warley is becoming more of a leader and a floor general. House is growing up in front of our eyes; he is more confident.”

The future Hall of Fame coach has always said that in his program the biggest jump in improvement that his players make comes during their sophomore and junior seasons.

Hamilton also utilized the transfer portal to improve his team.

Josh Nickelberry (87 career games played) is a graduate student who has played two seasons in the ACC at Louisville (2019-20, 2020-21) and who averaged double figure scoring in the last two seasons (10.7 ppg) at La Salle. Jamir Watkins (third year) is a transfer from VCU who has played in 61 career games and who helped the Rams to the 2023 NCAA Tournament. He has scored in double figures in 26 games during the first three years of his career. Guard Primo Spears (14.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg) comes to Florida State from Georgetown and has played in 62 career games.

“I’m expecting major contributions from the three transfers,” said Hamilton. “Each of the guys brings a level of experience which is a welcome addition to our program. They can all be a plus for us this year. Those guys are battle-tested.”  

Hamilton also added Taylor Bol Bowen (9.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and Waka Mbatch (10.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg) as freshmen for the upcoming season.

“Taylor is more skilled than most incoming freshmen and his athleticism is exceptional. Waka is a youngster who has adjusted to the American game, and his progress has been steady.”

Hamilton is convinced that each of the Seminoles’ newcomers will contribute to their success during the upcoming season.

“I think our depth is back,” said Hamilton. “I think we now have enough depth where we can sustain the effort for long periods of time like we have in the past.”