Two games into a college basketball season is hardly time to panic, but for Florida State, Tuesday’s 76-73 loss to Northeastern was downright disappointing and a loss that could drastically harm the Seminoles should they finish on the NCAA Tournament bubble for a second straight season.
Through two games, there is a lot for Florida State to be optimistic about however. Aaron Thomas has been outstanding as the team’s leader while Montay Brandon has yet to miss a shot. Freshman Phil Cofer has brought a physical presence off the bench and sophomore Jarquez Smith looks to be one of the more improved Seminoles.
But while there is much to feel good about for Florida State, the Seminoles have not taken advantage in an area where few teams can match up — size. To this point, the FSU big men have been big disappointments.
There have been NBA rosters before that have gone without a single 7-footer. To have one at the college level is a real luxury and the Seminoles have three.
Among them, the biggest question mark coming into the season was senior Kiel Tuprin. Tuprin was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA after suffering a knee injury last season. It was unclear how much Turpin would contribute with younger players like Boris Bojanovsky and Michael Ojo having more upside.
Turpin however, has been the only one of the three to make a significant contribution. In Florida State’s first two games, Turpin is averaging 10.5 points on 64 percent shooting from the field.
Bojanovsky, the tallest player ever for Florida State at 7’3″, and Michael Ojo have combined for just five points in two games. Bojanovsky is a dismal 2-for-9 from the field and Ojo has yet to attempt a shot. As big men expected to draw crowds and contact down low, the two have shot just two total free throws between them.
Where the trio of Florida State centers have really struggled is on the glass. Turpin, Bojanovsky and Ojo are combining to play about 34 minutes, but are combining to average just 5.5 rebounds.
Despite a huge gap in size, Florida State failed to win the rebounding battle in either of its first two games. Manhattan’s tallest starter is 6’10” and Northeastern’s is 6’8″.
Though Bojanovsky and Ojo are only about halfway through their collegiate careers, it appears as though they’re maturing slower than the Seminoles expected. Areas that size would suggest should be places for a FSU advantage like on the boards and in the paint have been anything but so far.
For Florida State’s best teams under Leonard Hamilton, utilizing its size has been instrumental. In the past, players like Uche Echefu, Xavier Gibson and Jon Kreft have managed to be significant contributors as were future NBA draft picks in Bernard James and Ryan Reid.
Too often last season, Florida State was outplayed on the block and glass by more physical teams. After four straight NCAA Tournament appearances from 2009-12, FSU has had to settle for consecutive NIT appearances. Unless the Seminoles can find a way to make their presence known down low, that’s a trend that may continue.
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