Florida State Basketball Rotation Looking Strong For 2015-16 Season

By Reed Hunnicutt

Florida State Rotation Looking Strong For 2015-16 Season

Florida State Basketball — Last year, the Seminoles were reliant on a freshman in Xavier Rathan-Mayes. To an extent, it will be more of the same. With the additions of some highly-touted recruits, Florida State will look to emerge as one of the top teams in the conference. Their success will hinge on the growth of the freshmen, but there are enough returners to create a consistent rotation.

PG: Xavier Rathan-Mayes, Sophomore

Xavier Rathan-Mayes

PG: Xavier Rathan-Mayes, Sophomore

Xavier Rathan-Mayes — I do believe that Rathan-Mayes will have a decrease in his scoring output due to the depth on this team. He will have free rein on the perimeter, but it’ll be interesting to see how the skilled guard responds to not being the sole focus of the offense. NBA scouts will find out if he’s a true point guard or a score-first combo guard.

SG: Devon Bookert, Senior

Devon Bookert

SG: Devon Bookert, Senior

Devon Bookert — Bookert will be able to let it fly even more than last year when he shot 39 percent from three. Last year he played as a second point guard who set up Rathan-Mayes when he wanted to go into his shooting outbursts. Rathan-Mayes should have a better understanding of ball movement so Bookert can play his natural role of a scoring combo guard.

SG: Dwayne Bacon, Freshman

Dwayne Bacon

SG: Dwayne Bacon, Freshman

Dwayne Bacon — There might not be a better NBA shooting guard prospect than Bacon. He’s got great size which should allow him to play at the small forward spot. Bacon will score in bunches throughout the season. The dynamic between Bacon and Rathan-Mayes will be important for the success of the Seminoles.

SG/SF: Montay Brandon, Senior

Montay Brandon

SG/SF: Montay Brandon, Senior

Montay Brandon — Brandon quietly had his most productive season last year. He came in as a freshman combo guard; now at 6-foot-8, 225 pounds, the senior is capable of playing three positions at a high level. Brandon is a solid defender and electric finisher above the rim. He provides Leonard Hamilton with some flexibility.

PF: Jarquez Smith, Junior

Jarquez Smith

PF: Jarquez Smith, Junior

Jarquez Smith — Florida State will probably do a lot of experimenting with the five position in the lineup. Smith is the best combination of energy and rim protection, although he’s not the ideal size for a five man.

Bench: Phil Cofer, Sophomore, Forward

Phil Cofer

Bench: Phil Cofer, Sophomore, Forward

Phil Cofer — Cofer was a pleasant surprise in his freshman season, registering consistent minutes while scoring 6.9 points a game. He’s still more of a combo forward right now, so it’d be hard to see him consistently defending ACC centers on a nightly basis. Wherever he is in the rotation, you can be sure that he’ll be productive on the offensive end.

Bench: Boris Bojanovsky, Senior, Center

Boris Bojanovsky

Bench: Boris Bojanovsky, Senior, Center

Boris Bojanovsky — The Seminoles have some giants on their roster. Bojanovsky is the best of the 7-footers as of now and should provide a tall paint defender at the very least.

Bench: Malik Beasley, Freshman, Guard

Malik Beasley

Bench: Malik Beasley, Freshman, Guard

Malik Beasley — One of three explosive freshman guards on the team, Beasley is an aggressive scorer from all three levels. He will definitely be given the opportunity to show what he can do from the beginning of the year. Worst-case scenario, he progresses Bacon and the other guards in practice.

Bench: Terrance Mann, Freshman, Guard

Terrance Mann

Bench: Terrance Mann, Freshman, Guard

Terrance Mann — Mann is a very athletic penetrating guard who should focus on defense to separate himself from the crowded backcourt.

Reed Hunnicutt is an ACC Basketball Beat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @rd_hunnicutt04, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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Florida State Seminoles

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