Season Preview

Bernard James

3. Florida State


2010-2011 record: 23-11 (11-5 ACC)


Games against NCAA Tournament teams: 8
Best non-conference game: 11/30 at Michigan State






Projected Starting Five:


F - Bernard James (Senior)
F - Okaro White (Sophomore)
G - Deividas Dulkys (Senior)
G - Michael Snaer (Junior)
G - Jeff Peterson (Senior)




It has been interesting to trace the progression of Florida State over the years.  For years they were the most predictable team in the ACC: they would play very well at home, beat Duke or UNC each year, and finish somewhere around 8-8 in the conference, just missing out on the NCAA Tournament (about where Virginia Tech is now).  Then they took a step up, making the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back years but failing to win a game.  Last year the Seminoles took the next big step, making it to the Sweet 16.  I think they have the ability to duplicate that success.


When you are talking about Florida State and a Leonard Hamilton coached team you think of defense.  The Seminoles will once again have the length to cause people fits.  They do lose Chris Singleton, who was definitely their best player, although they played pretty well without him when he was hurt last year.  I think their key player this year is Bernard James.  James is 26 years old and coming off a pretty good year.  He will be the main force down low.  In the perimeter, Michael Snaer will be key.  Snaer averaged exactly 8.8 points per game both of his first two years, but improved his free throw and three point percentage last year.  The point guard spot will be manned by an interesting player.  Jeff Peterson played at Iowa, then Arkansas, then transferred to Florida State.  His best season was 2008-2009, where he averaged double figures for the Hawkeyes.


Florida State's schedule is somewhat unimpressive.  They will have two tough matchups against rival Florida and Michigan State, but should be able to win their other non-conference games.  They have a very tough start to the ACC season, though.  Their first three games are at Clemson, at Virginia Tech, and home against UNC.  If they can get through that, the second half of the conference schedule is much more forgiving.  So I expect them to be riding some nice momentum going into March.