FSU Basketball History
The Florida State Seminoles men’s basketball team has a long and storied history. Founded in 1947, the Seminoles have a long and proud tradition of excellence in college basketball. The team has won a total of 5 ACC regular season championships and 4 ACC tournament championships. They have also made 24 NCAA tournament appearances and have been to the Elite Eight 3 times.
FSU Basketball and the National Championships
The Florida State Seminoles have never won an NCAA National Championship in basketball. Despite their long and storied history, the Seminoles have never been able to break through and win a title. This is despite the fact that the Seminoles have had outstanding teams over the years, with some of the best players in college basketball.
Notable FSU Basketball Players
Throughout their history, the Florida State Seminoles have had some of the best players in college basketball. Some of the notable players include:
- Sam Cassell: Cassell was an All-American point guard who led the Seminoles to the NCAA tournament in 1992 and 1993. He was drafted in the first round of the NBA draft after his senior season.
- Bob Sura: Sura was an All-American and ACC Player of the Year in 1995. He was drafted in the first round of the NBA draft after his senior season.
- Tim Pickett: Pickett was an All-ACC performer and was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2003. He was drafted in the second round of the NBA draft after his senior season.
- Al Thornton: Thornton was an All-American and ACC Player of the Year in 2007. He was drafted in the first round of the NBA draft after his senior season.
- Chris Singleton: Singleton was an All-American and ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2010. He was drafted in the first round of the NBA draft after his senior season.
Hall of Fame Coaches
The Florida State Seminoles have also had some of the best coaches in college basketball. Some of the notable coaches include:
- Hugh Durham: Durham coached the Seminoles from 1959 to 1968 and led the Seminoles to the NCAA tournament in 1966. He was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
- Pat Kennedy: Kennedy coached the Seminoles from 1986 to 1997 and led the Seminoles to the NCAA tournament in 1992 and 1993. He was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.
- Leonard Hamilton: Hamilton has coached the Seminoles since 2002 and has led the Seminoles to the NCAA tournament in 9 of the last 12 seasons. He has been named ACC Coach of the Year 3 times.
Closest FSU Has Come to a National Championship
The closest the Florida State Seminoles have come to winning a National Championship was in 1972. Led by All-American Ron King, the Seminoles reached the Final Four for the first time in school history. They were defeated by the eventual champions, the UCLA Bruins, in the semi-finals.
Recent Years
The Florida State Seminoles have been to the NCAA tournament in 9 of the last 12 seasons, with their last appearance coming in 2019. Led by All-ACC performers like Dwayne Bacon, Terance Mann, and Mfiondu Kabengele, the Seminoles reached the Sweet Sixteen in 2019 before being eliminated by Gonzaga.
Accolades
Despite never winning a National Championship, the Florida State Seminoles have been one of the most successful programs in college basketball. In addition to their 5 regular season ACC championships and 4 ACC tournament championships, the Seminoles have had numerous individual accolades.
All-Americans
The Seminoles have had 22 All-Americans in their history, including the likes of Sam Cassell, Bob Sura, Al Thornton, and Chris Singleton.
ACC Player of the Year
The Seminoles have had 5 players win the ACC Player of the Year award, including Bob Sura (1995), Al Thornton (2007), and Chris Singleton (2010).
ACC Defensive Player of the Year
The Seminoles have had 4 players win the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award, including Tim Pickett (2003) and Chris Singleton (2010).
Conclusion
The Florida State Seminoles have a long and storied history in college basketball. They have had some of the best players, coaches, and teams over the years. Despite all of their success, the Seminoles have never won a National Championship in basketball. However, they have had numerous individual accolades and have been close to winning a title on multiple occasions.