Luke Loucks Takes Over Florida State Basketball Amid Exciting Changes

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State University has entered a new era in its basketball program with the hiring of Luke Loucks as head coach. Loucks, who played as a point guard for the Seminoles from 2008 to 2012, takes over amid significant transition following the departure of longtime coach Leonard Hamilton.

Hamilton was a cornerstone for FSU basketball, recognized for his ability to develop players and lead them to the NBA. Though he never claimed a national championship, his legacy remains influential in the program’s history. Currently, five former Seminole players are making their mark in the NBA: Scottie Barnes, Jonathan Isaac, Terance Mann, Devin Vassell, and Patrick Williams.

As the 2025-2026 NBA season kicks off, fans are eager to see how these players perform. Scottie Barnes is particularly noteworthy, having averaged 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists last season. His progress will be crucial for the Toronto Raptors, especially as they seek improvement after finishing the previous season with a 30-52 record.

In preparation for his first season as a head coach, Loucks has been active in assembling a diverse staff that includes former players like Terance Mann as assistant general manager and others who have strong ties to the university. Loucks emphasized the importance of having former players on staff to encourage trust and connection with current athletes.

“It’s super important,” Loucks said. “They know what it’s like to win at Florida State. They understand the culture, and they’re essential to helping build the connection we need within the team and community.”

Loucks has expressed enthusiasm about his team’s competitive spirit and the potential chemistry among players, many of whom are coming from lower-level college programs. Assembling a team of mid-major talents, Loucks believes they can surprise critics who have predicted they will finish last in the conference.

“No one’s going to believe in what we’re doing until we show them,” he said. “But that’s what makes us excited, and I believe we can prove a lot of people wrong.”

On the court, Loucks has ambitious plans for an up-tempo playing style. He noted that building the team’s endurance and conditioning will be vital for executing their fast-paced strategy effectively. His goal is to transform Florida State’s reputation into a fierce competitor.

As fans eagerly await another season of FSU basketball, the combination of Loucks’ enthusiasm and the legacy of past players sets an exciting tone for the program’s future.