FSU Basketball excited to finally take the court on Wednesday

The last time the Florida State men's basketball team was on the court at the Tucker Center, Leonard Hamilton was cutting down a net and wrapping it around his neck.

It's been just about nine months -- nine very, very long months -- since the Seminoles won their first regular-season ACC Championship and then had the postseason ripped away because of COVID-19.

Now, after that long wait, and with a lineup featuring some familiar faces along with some fresh ones, Hamilton's squad is finally set to get started on Wednesday night when the Seminoles host North Florida at 8 p.m. (ACC Network).

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"I'm very excited," said junior Malik Osborne. "Especially with our first game (against Gardner-Webb) getting postponed due to COVID ... and it's just like, let's just be thankful for each game we play, because the next game isn't guaranteed."

Don't we know it.

Florida State is set to begin a season unlike any other in the history of college basketball. Leonard Hamilton didn't get any exhibition games. The schedule, as it stands now, has just 24 contests. And there's no way of knowing how many of those actually get played.

The No. 21 Seminoles, like always, have lofty goals heading into the season. But they also have some mighty big shoes to fill -- with Patrick Williams, Devin Vassell and Trent Forrest all getting ready to start NBA training camp in a few days.

So, with that in mind, Hamilton knows he might need to be a bit more patient than he would be in other years. Especially with the two incoming recruits -- five-star guard Scottie Barnes and JUCO All-American Sardaar Calhoun -- who figure to be a big part of the Seminoles' rotation in 2020-'21.

The newcomers just haven't gotten the preseason reps they normally would.

"They're void of all that," Hamilton said. "As a coach, I have to be more patient and more understanding."

Hamilton mentioned the four newcomers on the roster, including freshman center Quincy Ballard and 7-foot-2 transfer Tanor Ngam, and how it might take some time to adjust to the college game. Despite the introduction they've already had to Florida State culture and intensity.

Hamilton said Barnes is probably the furthest along because of the competition he faced in high school and the caliber of teammates he had at the prestigious Montverde Academy.

"Calhoun is as talented as anybody we've had in our program," Hamilton said. "But he's making the adjustment of where it's a little bit of a challenge for him as well."

Because of that immense talent, Hamilton said Calhoun, "won't be on a short leash, because I see the potential there and his teammates see the potential there. And however long it takes him to adjust, that's what it's going to be."

One of those teammates is Osborne, of course.

The former Rice transfer was a key cog in last year's championship team and could have an even larger role this season. But he also sees that potential in his new teammates. He knows they have a chance to be special.

"I feel like these new guys have no ceiling, at least no ceiling that I can see," Osborne said. "Scottie, with his wingspan, his talent, his athleticism, the sky is the limit for him. And then the same thing for Sardaar. He has incredible quickness, great instincts, he's athletic, he's strong, has a tight handle, has a tight shot ... I don't think there's anything that Sardaar can't do."

They're also both Type-A personalities. Even though they're new, they haven't exactly been shy in practices, workouts and film sessions. Osborne said they both bring big personalities to a team that is already full of them.

He couldn't stop smiling when he was talking about Barnes and Calhoun.

"(Barnes comes with his own energy)," Osborne said. "And I want to say the same thing goes for Sardaar, too. A lot of people don't really talk about his energy, but man, he is a ball of energy that is waiting to explode.

"They all come with their own energy. And it helps us practice better. It helps with morale, and it's definitely going to help them around the game."

Speaking of the game, Hamilton expects North Florida (0-3) to be sharper at least initially because the Ospreys (who won 21 games a season ago) have already played three this season -- the last being a loss at Miami on Sunday night.

When it comes to his own team, Hamilton knows there will be some nerves, some rust, some sloppy play at times. That's basketball in November. And even more so when you're dealing with a global pandemic.

But he added: "Our culture is strong, and we're holding each other accountable."

Osborne was asked whether, as a veteran, he would try to calm down the four newcomers before Wednesday night, to make sure they're focused and not putting too much pressure on themselves.

After all, there are supposed to be a lot more games after this one -- at least theoretically.

"As much as I know that I need to calm them down, it's going to be hard for me," Osborne said. "Because I'm just as excited. I'm trying to be the mature guy ... but I'm just like them in the same way. I'm full of energy, I'm excited to play, I want to play, regardless of whether there are fans or not. I'm going to come with my own energy, too."

After nine months without playing a game, and with everything they lost last year, and everything they've had to go through to get to this point this season, he probably won't be alone in that regard.

The Tucker Center capacity is expected to be capped at 2,600 due to social distancing protocols.

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