Two talented recruits sign with FSU

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On the heels of two of the highest ranked recruiting classes in the history of the Florida State men’s basketball program, Seminole head coach Leonard Hamilton has signed Casaan Breeden and Ryan Reid to National Letters of Intent. Both players are rated among the top players in the nation at their position and will begin playing for Hamilton and the Seminoles at the start of the 2005-06 season. Florida State’s 2002-03 recruiting class was the consensus choice as the nations best while its 2003-04 class was rated as the nation’s 16th-best. Both classes were rated as the best in the ACC.

“We are excited about the versatility and athleticism that Casaan and Ryan bring to our program,” said Hamilton. “In order for us to compete in the ACC and to continue to become a program of significance nationally, we need to continue to bring in players with the ability these two players have. Their versatility and athletic ability will help our team compete at the highest levels during their careers.”

Breeden (Bennettsville, S.C./Marlboro County High School) averaged 16 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and three blocks per game as a junior. He is currently listed as the 35th-best player according to the most recent Galaxy USA rankings. Breeden is the 14th rated wing forward and among the nation’s top 60 recruits by Rivals.com.

At 6-8 and 190 pounds, Breeden is one of the more athletically gifted players in the class of 2005 and excelled this past summer at the prestigious Nike All-America camp. At 6-8, he will give the Seminoles a tall perimeter player with the ball handling skills and outside shooting abilities that will allow him compliment the growing abilities of Florida State’s post players.

His ability to play on the perimeter has helped him elevate his playing stock entering his senior season.

“Florida State is getting an outstanding basketball player in Casaan Breeden,” said his high school coach Ken Spencer. “But as good of a player he is, he is a better person. I really believe Florida State is getting one of the top 25 players in the nation. Casaan plays with a lot of energy, plays hard all the time, rebounds well and has really improved his jump shot. I feel he will fit into Coach Hamilton’s system well and cause match-up problems for many of the players he plays against in college.”

Breeden selected Florida State over St. John’s, Georgia Tech, Georgia and NC State.

“Casaan is going to be an exciting player at Florida State during his career,” said Hamilton. “His versatility and ability to fit into out team concept will make him a welcomed addition to our program. He is a very athletic player who is going to enjoy playing with the players who are already on our roster.”

Reid (Lauderdale Lakes, Fla./Boyd H. Anderson High School) is ranked as the 22nd best forward in the nation according to Rivals.com. He is ranked 36th nationally on the prospect list by Hoop Alliance. Additionally he is rated as the fifth best player in the state of Florida according to Rivals.com. Reid has emerged as one of the nation’s top forwards in the state of Florida and on a national level.

Reid, at 6-8, 225 pounds, averaged 18.5 points, 13.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game as a junior. He earned All-County 6A-4A First-Team honors as a junior. Reid made national headlines last spring and summer when he demonstrated the outstanding ability to face up in a power forward’s body. He helped the Tallahassee Wildcats capture the championship at the Showtime National Championship in Suwannee, Ga., in July 2004. He has the ability to handle the basketball in open court is athletic and possesses tremendous agility and quickness.

Reid selected Florida State over Miami, Florida and Pittsburgh.

“We are excited about Ryan’s potential and the different things he can do on the court,” said Hamilton. “He brings a dimension of versatility that will allow him to make our team better with the things he can do. His athleticism will add to the increasing diversity of the players on our team as we continue to improve and grow at each position on the floor.

Florida State, which advanced to the second round of the NIT in 2004, opens the 2004-05 regular season Friday Nov., 19 against Texas Southern.

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