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whereinthehellami
05-15-2007, 11:55 AM
With the off-season upon us I thought we would look at each ACC team and throw out some random thoughts about each school. I thought we would start at the top of the ACC and go from there. Keep it flame free and maybe even get some of the fans from the other schools to weigh in. It doesn't have to be all Bball related but that should be focus.

CL (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1925), GT (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1832), VT (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1718), BC (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1608), MD (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1483), UVA (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1331), and UNC (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1252) were previously looked at.

Lets take a look at FSU:


FSU loses Al Thornton (6-8) and Jerel Allen (6-4, 19 MPG, 5 PPG) to graduation.



Thornton led the team in 6 categories (31.2 MPG, 44% 3pt FG, 7.2 RPG, 40 Blocks, 53 steals, and 19.7 PPG).



Thornton got rewarded for his versatility by being a unanimous 1st eam All-ACC selection and by making various 2nd and 3rd team All-Americans.



The top returning scorers for the Seminoles are Toney Douglas (6-1, JR, 12.7 PPG), Jason Rich (6-3, SR, 10.3 PPG, 81% FT), and Isaiah Swann (6-1, SR, 10.3 PPG, 110 assists).



Uche Echefu (6-9, JR) a one-time Blue Devil recruit is FSU's leading returning rebounder at 4.3 RPG, which is not good considering they were out rebounded as a team last year by their opponents.



Julian Vaughn (6-10) and Solomon Alabi (7-1) were in the RSCI Top 100 at #41 and #34 respectively. Vaughn fell 22 spots since their last ranking and is considered by some to be soft. Alabi climbed 10 spots since their last ranking and played on the international team at the Hoop Summit.


FSU also signed Jordan Demercy (6-7) for next year.



On the Gridiron, FSU is bringing in a re-juvenated staff/team for next season headlined by new Coach Jimbo Fisher (offensive Coordinator) and Trivett (sp?, Offensive Line Coach).



After finshing a dissapointing 7-6 last year, FSU brought in the 6th best recruiting class in the ACC (per Scouts), thats not going to turn the frown upside down.

Olympic Fan
05-15-2007, 12:11 PM
Just a few points:

-- Not 100 percent sure, but didn't FSU also lose backup point guard Ralph Mims to transfer??

-- FSU is still pursuing a couple of guards -- Chris Blake (not quite top 100) and Juco Victor Dubovitsky.

-- I think it's a bit strong to label Echefu a "one-time Blue Devil recruit" He was a guy Duke looked at, but never offered. UNC, on the other hand, really went all out to land him. BTW, Julian Vaughn is also a guy Duke looked at (and he very much wanted to play for Duke or UNC), but never offered.

I see a team with three very talented wing players in Douglas, Swann and Rich. Douglas can score, but he STILL hasn't proven to be an effective point guard. I don't see a point guard on the horizon (unless Blake and/or Dubovitsky are points -- I really don't know). Plus, the loss of Thornton could be huge -- he was the heart and soul of that team for two years.

On the other hand, after a year of having the weakest post play in the ACC, the strength down low should be better with the experience Echefu and Reid got, plus the addition of the Alabi and Vaughn.

FSU has just barely missed the NCAA in each of the last two seasons (fairly in 2006, but unfairly last year). I'll be surprised if they come close in 2007-08.

ACCBBallFan
05-15-2007, 12:52 PM
Agreed - if FSU can't make the dance with Al Thornton in years ACC is strong not likely FSU dances withoutThornton and a weaker overall ACC.

Only ACC teams I see making the dance depending on who pulls out of NBA draft for a few are UNC, Duke, GA Tech, NC State and possibly Clemson. There could be a sixth if mid-majors continue to be weakened by coaching changes.

whereinthehellami
05-18-2007, 10:57 AM
STARTERS
Isaah Swann 6-1 SR
Toney Douglas 6-1 JR
Jason Rich 6-3 SR
Ryan Reid 6-8 SO
Uche Echefu 6-9 JR

BENCH (over 10 MPG)
Casaan Breeden 6-8 JR
Ralf Mims 6-2 SR
Solomon Alabi 7-1 FR

This is a very guard heavy (talent wise) lineup but that is where their experience and talent lies. I'm not sure about Alabi getting 10 plus MPG but they need some help in the froncourt and he is 7-1 with loads of potential but he still has a ways to go in half court sets.

FSU has four solid starters in Douglas, Rich, Swaan, and Echefu but lack a solid fifth. I don't see any recruits jumping into a starter role, though Alabi could be a longshot, especially if he can play decent defense and rebound. FSU also doesn't have any real star players on their squad and will need someone to step-up after the loss of Thornton.

whereinthehellami
05-18-2007, 04:01 PM
HOME GAMES
Miami - W
Clemson - L
UNC - L
NCS - L
WF - W
BC - W
Duke - L
UVA - W

AWAY GAMES
Miami - L
Clemson - L
UNC - L
NCS - L
WF - W
GT - L
MD - L
VT - L

That comes out to a 5-11 record for next season. FSU needs to establish a go-to guy and they are lacking a solid fifth starter. FSU has a solid group of guards but no true PG and they are lacking in the frontcourt. All in all they are not a very imposing looking team but they do have guys with ACC experience.